Godly Parents with Ungodly Children

"And he did evil in the sight of the LORD . . ." - 2 Kings 21:2

Hezekiah was one of the most righteous kings in Israel's history. Yet
his son, Manasseh, seduced God's people into doing, ". . . more evil
than did the nations whom the Lord destroyed" (2 King 21:9). Why
didn't this father's righteousness pass on to his son? Here are three
reasons worth considering:

1. Good parents sometimes have prodigal children (Luke 15:11). Don't
let anybody guilt-trip you about your children or make you feel like a
failure. Your example can still influence them, your prayers can
still mold them and your love can keep the door open for God to work
in their lives.

2. Bad company can destroy good character! Manasseh was evidently
weak-willed and easily influenced by the wrong people. Teach your
children that their company will shape their conduct, their character
and ultimately, their destiny (Proverbs 1:10).

3. This father was too busy. Sound familiar? While you still have
your children under your roof, make time to pray, play and talk
together. "Talk about what?" you say. Personal responsibility. In
an era where passing the buck has become an art form, teach them to
accept responsibility for their choices. And emphasize 'the erosion
principle.' Explain to them that evil nowadays is becoming many
things: increasingly worse, more cleverly disguised, easier to get
into and harder to get out of.

And if you don't have kids, pray for those that do!