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Key Bible Verse: For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike (Ezekiel 18:4). Bonus Reading: Ezekiel 18:1–3; Romans 12:9–10, 16

When our son was four years old and I was a pastor, his Sunday school teacher asked who God was. "God is a great big Presbyterian minister," he said. Like most young children, he had a hard time differentiating between God and his parents. Realizing this will frighten the wits out of any conscientious Christian parent. Who, by his actions, wants to be responsible for God's character and reputation in his children's eyes?

Since that time, a quiet revolution has taken place in our home. My wife and I stopped being our children's priests who hear their prayers and confessions, and pray for their well-being. We still do these things, but we also confess our sins to God in the presence of our children and, with them, receive His forgiveness.

As a result, God is no longer someone used by harassed parents to keep their children in line. Rather, He is God of both parent and child, before whom each member of the family is responsible.

It costs a great deal of pride for a parent to worship God with a broken and contrite heart in the presence of his children, but I thank God that He's helped me to begin.

—Bruce Larson in The Edge of Adventure

My Response: When have my wife and children ever heard me confess a sin?

Thought to Apply: The best place for a child to learn religious faith is a home, in the bosom of a family where faith is lived and practiced. —Dick Van Dyke (actor)

Adapted from The Edge of Adventure (Word, 1974) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

O God, make me Exhibit A in my family of Your transforming power.

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