Dear Expert,
My pastor says that I should make my children go to church, pray, and memorize the Bible. But shouldn’t we let children think for themselves? And, I don’t want him to obey just because he’s afraid of the consequences. I believe that it’s not about “control;” it’s about waiting for the child to receive a new heart. Would you “control” your child like that?
Skeptical in Seattle
Dear Skeptical,
We cannot impart to our children new hearts, but we can see to it that there shall be nothing within our gates that is derogatory to the religion of Jesus Christ. I charge you see to it. But you cannot control your children, you say. Then the Lord have mercy upon you! It is your business to do it, and you must do it, or else you will soon find out they will control you; and no one knows what judgment will come from God upon those who suffer sin in children and servants to go unrebuked.
Sincerely,
C.H. Spurgeon
