Christian Parents

Many Christian parents (especially those from middle-class families in Malaysia) put much emphasis on their children's education. They ensure that their children would not skip school and more importantly, tuition classes, which they have spent a lot of money on. Yet, it is a different story when it comes to the children's involvement in Christian and church activities. They are not so concerned as to whether their children are attending these fellowship regularly or involving in the ministries. They often use the chilren's academic result (report card) to gauge the overall progress of their children. As long as the children are getting good grades, it means that they are developing well. They seldom pay attention to the children's behavioural patterns or the development of their character. As a whole, these parents are sending out a clear message: Studies first, God second.

As we examine the lives of these parents, we find a similar motto governing their lives: Work (Money) first, God second. Working hard to earn as much as possible is the top priority in their lives, even if it means that they have to sacrifice their involvement in Christian ministries, even if their work robs their time of attending weekly services.

Since the development of the children's character is often overlooked, and since the parents are unable to provide a godly model for their children to follow, it is not surprising why so many children from Christian families become rebellious and godless, having no fear for God or for their parents.

When such problem arises, they will put all the blame on their children. They will not see themselves as contributors to the condition of their children. Worse still, they will conveniently pass the problem to the church. They will address the problem to the pastor or the youth ministry leader and request them to 'change' their children through counseling (as if the pastor/youth ministry leader is a magician).

Such is the mentality of many Christian parents today. It is very unfortunate that they do not see the upbringing of their children as a sacred responsiblity that God has entrusted to them.