as possible . This does not mean giving up or setting aside your convictions to appease them when they are around . Will there be rough spots ? Yes , but it is a lot better than not seeing them . Plus , you are able to use your life as a positive influence . This is the key word : influence . You can ’ t force them to change , but you can influence them through love and through being an example of Christ . This is not a shortterm activity , it may take years , but your ability to influence their view of Christ and Christian living will have an effect on them . In John , Chapter 13 , we see Jesus washing the feet of His disciples . He explains to them why He washed their feet and why they should wash other ’ s feet . He showed them that they should be treating others in the same way He was treating them ( v15 ). Jesus is talking about more than feet , obviously . He is talking about living and loving the way He did . When people were in need , He didn ’ t turn them away . He didn ’ t force them to Him . He served . He served people to show the love and promises of God . Do the same for your children . Gently guide them and reintroduce them to Christ through living as Christ did , and do to them what Christ did for you . Give them grace and love . Be the light of the world , like a city on a hill ( Matthew 5:13 ). Let the light of Christ shine through you to your wayward child . Don ’ t fake it , but live it . This can do wonders .
Ok , so you are doing this and they still walk away from you and the light of Christ . What do you do ? Keep living the way you are and be there for them to talk to . Don ’ t shun them or close doors or burn bridges , but ensure you continue to walk in the light of God . One day , when your child is at the deepest depth of darkness or despair and don ’ t know what do , they will remember you , your love , and your example . Whom do you believe they will turn to ? They will cry to God or come to you for guidance , not a stranger . By keeping your arms wide open to them with Christ by your side , the likelihood of them coming back to Christ is much greater than if you shunned them and blocked them from your life . Have hope and pray that your child will remember the foundation you raised them on and the example you showed to them during the in-between years . With my daughter , even though she is still opposed to Christ , we have a good relationship . She knows where I stand and respects that . I know where she stands and am working on that , one little chip at a time . She knows I love God and her . Once she asked me about my belief in heaven or hell . She asked me if I believed she would go to hell . I told her bluntly she would if she didn ’ t have Jesus and was not saved by Him . She was taken aback and didn ’ t say anything after that . She never avoided me or has not stopped asking me questions . I can do only what I can : pray , give love , and be an example for her . By doing these things , the choice will usltimately be hers , but I can try my hardest to win a soul for Christ ’ s kingdom .
John Lysaught hails from Oregon , but resides in El Paso , Texas . He describes himself as a lover of Christ and a lifelong work in progress for the Lord . He is married with four children and attends Hope City Community Church . He enjoys learning about the history of our faith , hiking , and spending time with His family . He can be reached at johnflysaught @ gmail . com and you can view his other writings at http :// john-lysaught . blogspot . com /