'SAVE YOURSELF AND THOSE WHO LISTEN TO YOU

Working to Save Your Children

Among those whom we want to save, of course, are our family members. A great number of the children of Christian parents are sincere and "solid in the faith." Others, though, may not have the truth deeply rooted in their hearts. (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:7) Many of these young people leave the Christian way when they approach or enter adulthood. If you are a parent, what can you do to make such an outcome less likely? First, you can work on creating a wholesome family atmosphere. A good family life lays the groundwork for a healthy view of authority, appreciation of proper values, and happy relations with others. (Hebrews 12:9) Thus, close bonds within the family can be the seedbed in which a child's friendship with Jehovah can grow. (Psalm 22:10) Strong families do things together as a unit-even if parents must sacrifice time that could be used to personal advantage. In this way you can by example teach your children to make right decisions in life. Parents, what your children need most from you is, not material advantages, but you-your time, energy and love. Are you giving your children these things?

Christian parents must never assume that their children will automatically become Christians too. Daniel, and elder and father of five, observes: "Parents must take the time to help dispel the doubts that their children inevitably pick up at school and other places. They must patiently help their children work out the answers to such questions as: 'Are we actually living in the time of the end? Is there really only one true religion? Why is a certain seemingly nice schoolmate not good association? Is it always wrong to have sex before marriage?' " Parents, you can count on Jehovah to bless your efforts, for he too is interested in your children's welfare.

Some parents may feel inadequate when it comes to studying with their own children. However, you need not feel this way, for no one is in a better position to instruct your children than you are. (Ephesians 6:4) Studying with your own children will allow you to know firsthand what is in their hearts and minds. Are their expressions heartfelt or perfunctory? Do they really believe what they are learning? Is Jehovah real to them? You can find the answers to these and other vital questions only if you personally study with your children. -2 Timothy 1:5.

How can you maintain your family study program once you have started it? Joseph, an elder and father of a young son and daughter, says: "Like all Bible studies, the family study should be enjoyable, something everyone looks forward to. To achieve that in our family, we can't be too rigid with regard to time. Our study may last an hour, but even if occasionally we have only ten minutes, we still study. One thing that makes our study a high point in the week for the children is that we act out scenes from My Book of Bible Stories. The depth of impression and the comprehension that result are far more important than how many paragraphs we cover."

Of course, teaching your children is not limited to formal study periods. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7) The Witness in Thailand mentioned at the outset says: "I vividly remember how Dad used to take me along in the preaching work, on our bicycles, to the far corners of our congregation territory. Definitely, it was our parent's fine example and their teaching us under all circumstances that helped us to decide to enter the full-time ministry. And the lessons must have stuck. I'm still working in the far corners of the field!"

One day soon, at just the right time, Jesus will come to execute God's judgment on this system. That great event will then pass into universal history, but Jehovah's faithful servants will keep right on serving him with eternal salvation in view. Do you hope to be among them, along with your children and Bible students? Then remember: "Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." -1 Timothy 4:16.

Next time: Music That Pleases God

Watchtower, 2000