Yesterday we talked about being the Watchmothers of our homes. However, there is more to being a “watchman” than guarding your home. We are also responsible to teach and give warning.
God said to Ezekiel: “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor SPEAKEST TO WARN the wicked from his wicked way, TO SAVE HIS LIFE; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but HIS BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE AT THINE HAND . . ." (Ezekiel 3:18-21 and 33:7-9).
This is a scary Scripture to give you as mothers, but yes, it does apply to us. We have a responsibility to teach our children God’s ways and also to warn them when they walk down a wrong path. It is sad that some parents do not want to confront their children (or teenagers) or deal too harshly with them in case the reject them or don’t like them any more. They would rather let them go on in their sin and wayward path. This is not faithful parenting.
God holds us responsible as parents to give life-giving counsel to our children even if they don’t like it or take heed to it. Do you notice that the Scripture says that we give it "TO SAVE THEIR LIVES"! Yes, their lives here on earth, but more importantly, their eternal destiny!
God’s grace is always abundant and free when there is repentance, but when our children walk in disobedience and away from God’s path, it is time for warning. Paul picks up the words of Ezekiel in Acts 20:26-28 when he says: “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am PURE FROM THE BLOOD OF ALL MEN. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”
Paul wrote to the believers to WARN them (Acts 20:31; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28; 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:6; 5:12, 14; and 2 Thessalonians 3:15).
Dear Mother, this is part of your being a watchman. Be faithful to your task. Their blood is upon your hands if you are not faithful to teach them the whole counsel of God in order to save their lives for this life and for eternity.
Be blessed,
Nancy Campbell