Monday, April 21, 2008

Luther on Christian Parenting...

I have recently been reading Family-Based Youth Ministry, by Mark DeVries. In chapter 4, "Sitting on a Gold Mine," DeVries quotes Martin Luther. The words Luther penned resonate today just as they did 500 years ago:
"Most certainly father and mother are apostles, bishops, and priests to their children, for it is they who make them acquainted with the gospel. In short, there is no greater or nobler authority on earth than that of parents over their children, for this authority is both spiritual and temporal."
What a statement about the importance of Christian parents! I'm struck by the question, "Am I doing all that I can to expose my children to the glory of the gospel of the King?"
May we never be fooled into thinking that the spiritual formation of our children is primarily the responsibility of student pastors or teachers (though they are important). The Biblical mandate is for Lindsey and I to raise our children in the fear of the Most Holy God. What a great privilege!

1 comment:

zach j h20s said...

Amen Brother! If you ever think about it, I charge you to challenge me to live accordingly. I will try to do the same.