IF YOUR RELIGION IS NOT THAT OF YOUR PARENTS

It is no longer uncommon for even minor children to embrace religious view that are different from those of their parents.  Have you done that?  If so, the Bible has counsel for you.

God's Word says:  "Be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous:  'Honor your father and your mother.' " (Ephesians 6:1, 2) That involves wholesome respect for parents. However, while obedience to parents is important, it must not be rendered without regard for the true God.  When a child gets old enough to begin making decisions, he bears an increased measure of responsibility for his actions.  This is true not only with regard to secular law but especially concerning divine law.  "Each of us will render an account for himself to God," the Bible states. -Romans 14:12. 

If your beliefs cause you to make changes in your life, try to understand your parents' point of view.  They will likely be pleased  if, as a result of your learning and applying Bible teachings, you become more respectful, more obedient, more diligent in what they  ask of you.  However, if your new faith  also causes you to reject beliefs and customs that they personally cherish, they may feel that you are spurning a heritage that they sought to give you. They may also feat for your welfare if what you are doing is not popular in the community or if it diverts your attention  from pursuits that they feel could help you to prosper materially.  Pride could also be a barrier.  They might feel  that you are, in effect, saying that you are right and they are wrong. 

As soon as possible therefore, try to arrange for your parents to meet some of the elders or other mature Witnesses from the local congregation.  Encourage your parents to visit a Kingdom Hall to hear for themselves what  is discussed and to see firsthand what sort of people Jehovah's Witnesses are.  In time, your parents are adamantly  oppose, destroy Bible literature, and  forbid children to attend Christian meetings, there usually are opportunities to read elsewhere, to talk to fellow Christians, and to witness to and help others informally. You can also pray to Jehovah.  Some youths have to wait  until they are old enough to live outside the family home before they can do more.  Whatever the situation at home, however, do not forget to "honor your father and your mother."  (note: That mean to make sure that they have a roof over their heads,food, clothing, utilities paid, not a holiday)  Do your part to contribute to peace in the home. (Romans 12:17,18) Above all, pursue peace with God. 

Next time: THE CHALLENGE OF BEING A STEPPARENT

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996