There is nothing more precious than a baby. God has given mankind this wonderful blessing. Babies, then toddlers, school age, teens, and college students bring joy into our lives. As we reflect on the joy we experience with our children, we cannot overlook a world that will have an immense part in their upbringing. When children cry themselves to sleep wanting a mom or a dad who is not there because the place where they live also includes mom's or dad's live-in lover, homosexual partner, or significant other, we must ask, "What is happening to our children?" We do not have to look far for the answer. It is SIN! Nothing else! 1 John 2:15, 16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. If that is not the working of the devil, then tell me what is! The world and all its enticements pave the way for Satan's broad way to hell because that is what is prepared for him and his angels (Matthew 25:41). The people who make sin look so pretty to our youth have no regard for them. The souls of our children mean nothing to drug dealers, movie/TV producers, liquor and cigarette manufacturers, gay rights advocates, abortion clinics, owners of tattoo parlors, designers and sellers of provocative clothing, and so on. The almighty dollar is what means the most to them. Get rich, no matter the cost. 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. Sin has been with us from the time God put man out of the garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 23-24), and sin will continue to lure mankind until the Lord's return.

Our children deserve to go to heaven, but it is up to us to steer them along the narrow way. Sin, in all of its pretty, fancy wrappings, is out there for sure; but, as Christians, we have to be the example for our children to follow. Christ shed His blood for a reason: to save us from eternal punishment. Through our obedience to Him and His teachings, the choices our children make will lead them to heaven, not hell. Read Ephesians 6:10-19 and pray today for a greater strength to be a faithful follower of Christ, and pray that our children will never want to enjoy the pleasures of sin. Let them see us reading our Bibles daily and, with them, bow our heads in prayer as we talk to our heavenly Father. When the church meets for worship the next time, be present in the assembly with your children. When we become really concerned about our children, we will do all we can to help them resist the devil (James 4:7). He is walking about! He is looking for our children! (1 Peter 5:8) do not let him find them! -Rt. 2 Box 177, Belington, WV 26250. mrmrsl@meer.net

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