THE REAL MAN'S BREAKFAST

CHAPTER 13 FIND SOLACE IN CHRIST

FINDING COMFORT IN THE WORD OF GOD

We live in a world where people make decisions and choices, some of those decisions are in contrary to our wishes. As a man you have to understand that your children at some point will grow and make their own decisions, besides; people change over time we need to respect their decisions especially when they have grown in stature. The word of God tells us of men who raised both godly children and ungodly children, that gives every men solace that it is possible to raise children who may not uphold the values you instill in their lives. Raising godly children in a world perceived as ungodly presents significant challenges for parents and the outcomes can vary widely. Some parents, despite their best efforts, find that their children do not embrace the values they hoped to instill.

The Bible presents several examples of men who raised both godly and ungodly children, illustrating the complexities of parenting and the influence of personal choices. Samuel, a revered prophet and judge, had two sons, Joel and Abiah, who did not follow in their father's righteous ways. Instead, they were corrupt, taking bribes and perverting justice (1 Samuel 8:1-3). Despite Samuel's faithfulness to God, his sons chose a different path, highlighting that even godly parents can have children who stray from their teachings. Eli, a high priest, also faced challenges with his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They were notorious for their sinful behaviour, including greed and sexual immorality, which led to God's judgment against Eli's family (1 Samuel 2:12-17). These examples illustrate that while parental guidance is crucial, individual choices play a significant role in the spiritual outcomes of children.

Factors influencing outcomes

1. Cultural pressures:
Children today face immense societal pressures, including the influence of social media and peer groups that may promote values contrary to those taught at home. This can lead to conflicts between parental teachings and external influences.

2. Parental engagement:
The level of emotional and spiritual engagement from parents plays a crucial role. Parents who actively model their faith and maintain open communication tend to have better outcomes in raising children who share their values.

3. Individual choices:
Ultimately, children are individuals with their own free will. Even in nurturing environments, some may choose paths that diverge from their upbringing, reflecting the complexity of personal development and the influence of external factors.

In conclusion:
The phenomenon of godly parents raising ungodly children highlights the multifaceted nature of parenting in contemporary society. While intentional parenting is vital, external influences and individual choices significantly shape children's beliefs and behaviours.

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A real man is characterised by having muscles in 5 spheres of life, that is spiritually, emotionally,physically, socially and financially
Dr. Mduduzi Walter Mkhonta