Are You Engaged?

I’m not asking that question as I look at your left hand for a shining cubic zirconium ring. I’m addressing you as a parent, a parent of a child who is 4 months, 4 years, 14 years, or 44 years old. Are you engaged as a Christ-following parent in the life of your sons or daughters immersed in a crooked and depraved generation?

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the lost son, also known as the ‘prodigal’ son. This boy came to his father to ask for his share of the estate. He was selfish and demanding, and basically wanted the inheritance that would have been left once his father passed away. In a sense, he’s saying he wished his father would die! After getting what he wanted, he squandered all he had on wild living, and ended up hanging out in the pig pen, until he came to his senses and returned home broken and ashamed.

As parents, this is where our true test begins. We will all have to face rebellion at some point in our child’s lives. Even the prodigal’s brother, who we might consider the ‘dedicated’ son, had been living at home with a seed of rebellion in his heart. The test begins when we choose to be involved in what is happening in our children’s lives. You don’t have to be an absentee dad by not being home often! Many dads are checked out emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, or are just too busy to pay attention to their sons who are really crying out.

When the prodigal returned home, he didn’t find resentment and bitterness, at least from his father! He found forgiveness and warmth and reconciliation. That is God’s ministry to you and I, the ultimate rebellious runaways from our heavenly Father! Do you as dad or mom openly embrace and forgive and restore your children after they have failed? Are you standing out on your property, along the walls, watching in prayer for your prodigal to come home?

The father had such a deep relationship with his sons that they could approach him honestly and openly. Can the same be said of you and I? Whenever our teens talk about their parents, and especially fathers, there always seems to be a desire for dad to be more involved and more caring. Kids want their dads to pray with and for them, and to forgive them when they fail. They want to be able to come honestly and share their hearts and dreams and fears and know they won’t be ridiculed or dismissed. They’ll be listened to. I implore you, for the sake of your child, please get engaged in their lives.