Over the last couple of days I have been a part of some conversations with different people about parenting. The topic often comes up when talking with other people like us who are working hard to raise their families, but can become discouraged when we see others around us seemingly failing at parenting. I don't pretend to be wise or more experienced than other parents. But, this is what I do know. And, I know it and hang my whole life and the lives of my children on it because of the One who said it. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

"'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.' Therefore 'come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.' Therefore having these promises, beloved,let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 6:16b-7:1).

Now, the average Christian would affirm that he believes the teachings in these scriptures. However, the life, home and actions of the average "Christian" do not affirm that he believes the teachings in these scriptures. Do you fear the Lord, or is He your good luck charm? Is His Word your final authority, or is His Word a quaint relic from simpler times that has lost its relevance? Do you love His wisdom and instruction, or do you despise it and then wonder why he isn't blessing your parenting? Are you leading your family in living holy lives, separate from the filth of the world, or are you leading them to satisfy a superstition while prostituting themselves out to the world? We must either believe the Lord and stand on His Word or not.

Neither I, nor you, nor anyone else is holy because we're just that good. Holiness comes from trusting God when He speaks, and gentlemen, He has spoken. "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God." (James 2:21-23)

A man who trusts God, really trusts Him as evidenced by his life, and obeys Him will be a living witness to the Word of God. His children will have seen the power of the Lord and will recognize Him when He calls to them.