Greg Chandler

The ministry of Jesus often proved physically wearisome as the Lord traveled through the regions of Israel. News of His healing power spread like lightening through the small region, often bringing great multitudes to find relief from a host of maladies. On one occasion Jesus left Galilee and traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon in order to find a short season of rest for He and His disciples.

Jesus’ reputation preceded Him even into this area. A woman whose daughter was troubled by a demon humbly came to Jesus and asked that He make the child well. This proved an interesting situation when Jesus said, (paraphrasing) “Don’t you know that I have come to the Jews first? If I were to take My message to the Gentiles that would be like taking bread away from the children and giving it to the house dogs under the table.” Jesus did not disrespect the woman, yet He wanted her to understand that salvation was “to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” With tenacity the woman replied, “That is true, but don’t the little dogs get to at least eat the crumbs for the table?” Jesus was amazed at the woman’s faith and fulfilled her request. The woman knew that Jesus was the answer for her child’s healing and would stop at nothing to seek His help.

While this account is not given for child rearing advice, it does give a glimpse into the thoughts of a woman who wanted to do everything possible for her daughter. Seeing the demon torment the child was surely a harrowing sight and a mother’s love sought the Savior’s strength. In this she sets an example that all parents should heed. The days of demon possession have passed, yet the destructive desires of Satan are still very much present. The Apostle Peter wrote, “You adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). To think that the devil’s temptations will have no impact on children is both a naïve and dangerous attitude to take. What, then, should parents do?

First and foremost, the best defense against Satan is a home where God is honored. In this, fathers must take the lead. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Both parents work diligently to train children to love the Lord. This is done by setting the appropriate example in Bible study, prayer, hospitality, temperament, and all areas where godliness must be on display. A child’s home is his or her training ground for life and parents must be diligent to make sure a solid foundation is laid early.

Second, parents must teach their children that the Lord comes first. Jesus warned that one of the greatest dangers faced is that of “creeping worldliness.” In His parable of the soils, He de-scribed the thorny ground heart by saying,“This is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). Modern times offer many avenues of activity to fill the time of children. Hours are dedicated to extra-curricular events such as playing ball, performing in dramatic events, participat-ing in club activities and can encroach on time that should be spent building spiritual foundations. The danger of this is how easily and unnoticed it can happen. Sadly, some Christian parents allow these activities to even take the time set aside for the worship of God and study of His word. The thought is often that “missing one time will not make a difference.” This, however, may establish a precedent that there are things more important than God. Parents should certainly not seek to teach their children that “church attendance” is all that is involved in serving God. Yet, this is a vital time for those of all ages to come together to honor their Lord and should be considered of extreme value and importance.

Third, parents should involve their children in godly activities. When age specific Bible studies are offered by either the local church or in individual Christian’s homes, parents should make every effort for their children to be involved. When a meal is cooked for a family experiencing sickness, children should be involved, even if in small ways, to help learn the responsibility for helping fellow Christians and those in need. Whenever possible, a parent should involve a child so that the foundation is laid early on and children come to adulthood with an appreciation for doing right.

Ultimately, every individual has free will. Even those from faithful Christian homes can choose to desert the Lord and fall to the schemes of the devil. This, however, becomes much less likely when the child has been trained to honor God. As the writer of Proverbs noted, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The mother of a demon possessed daughter knew the Lord held all hope for help. Parents of the twenty-first century should think no less.