Kids know a hypocrite when they see one, even if they don’t yet know that word.
A few years ago I learned that a large percentage of the women who seek abortions are women who claim to be Christians. This was baffling. The command not to kill is as clear as the understanding God gives us in His Word that children within the womb are valuable to Him. So, where is the disconnect?
While listening to a Christian podcast featuring two women, one the guest of the other, they were discussing the things of life as a Mother. When the discussion went to some biblical teaching that meant going against the culture, the guest said, “Well, I’m not one of ‘those Christians.’” She was clearly saying that this was a place where she does not do what scripture says to do.
Many times I am reminded of that statement when I hear women talk about what they will and will not do in this life. They know what the Bible says but have decided that the Bible is a list of God’s suggestions, not God’s laws.
From listening to the conversation on the podcast, it sounded like this lady was teaching her kids to pray, to go to church, to be thankful, and probably even encouraged them to say the “sinner’s prayer” so they can be saved.
But, by picking and choosing for herself which of God’s laws to follow, is she teaching her children that they, too, can do what relieves their discomfort or covers up their sin?
How many professing Christian women seeking to end the life of their babies are just doing what has seen modeled for them? They are choosing not to obey this law at this time. Later, “When I’m ready,” or “When I’m married,” or “When I have enough money,” then, I’ll obey God.
Is there now a generation that has not been taught that God blesses obedience?
From early in history when the Israelites failed to listen to God (evidenced by their disobedience) God has shown us His judgment for ignoring His Word. What He warns them will be the consequences in Leviticus 26 should scare us all as we look at what is happening around us.
For those who argue that Old Testament law does not apply to us, please point to the scripture where God retracts His law. It does not exist. But also, look at what Christ, the second person of the Triune God says in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments” (ESV). Neither can we forget that Christ was there when the Law was given and He was in perfect agreement with it.
This truth applies to so much more than abortion. All of God’s commandments are for us to obey for our own good. Raising our children in the fear and instruction of the Lord is one of those commands (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:6). They will imitate us and watch what we do as they listen to what we say. If we are hypocrites, they see it. Eventually, consciously or unconsciously, they will remember that Mom and Dad “got away with it” so why shouldn’t they?
Parents, Aunts, Uncles, teachers, what is our example teaching the next generation? Will they think that killing a baby is no different than disrespecting our husbands, or lying or abusing them with words or punishments that are too harsh? Do they see at home that the Bible is just a bunch of good suggestions and never hear that if they love Christ, they must obey His commandments to receive His blessings?
Kids know what they see and hear. It’s teaching them, even when it isn’t what we mean to teach. It’s been said many times, there is much more caught than taught.
