A Mature Faith

We will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

Judy did everything she could to ensure the spiritual well-being of her son Kevin. She taught him the Word, took him to church, and prayed for him regularly. But when Kevin reached his teens, Judy despaired as she realized that he was turning away from God. Then, two months before his high school graduation, she learned he was hooked on drugs. Kevin soon moved to another state. It was a desperate period for Judy. She was forced to let go of her son at a time when every fiber of her being demanded that she step in and “fix” his faltering faith. Instead, she resolved to love and pray for her son from a distance.

Though you must do everything possible to encourage a living faith in the Lord during your children’s youth, it is important not to push your children too hard spiritually once they reach the latter years of adolescence. They must develop their own personal belief in God to achieve the mature faith described by the apostle Paul: “We will no longer be infants.… We will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:14–15).

Judy’s prayers for her son were answered after two years. Kevin entered a Christian drug rehab program and recommitted his life to the Lord. Our hope is that when you let go of your sons and daughters, your prayers for faithful children will be answered, too.

Before you say good night…

Are you placing enough emphasis on spiritual matters at home? Are you pushing too hard?

Are you willing to put the faith of your older children in God’s hands?

Father, thank You that You love my children even more than I do. Because of Your trustworthiness, I know You will be faithful to work in their lives. Help me to depend on You to establish my children in their faith. Amen.

• From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.