DO NOT SIN AGAINST THE CHILD
“And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.”
Genesis 42:22
Over 50 years ago I wrote a tract with the title of this text. I have also preached sermons using that title. But this isn’t either of those. But this is a subject we need to keep in mind. Every parent needs to consider how their actions affect their children.
These are the words of Reuben, one of Jacob’s sons, warning his brothers about selling their young brother Joseph into slavery. You would think common sense would have told them that. They should have known what they did was sinful. And considering who they were they should have known their actions would meet with judgment.
People today are quick to see the faults of those men, yet, although in a different way, they do the same. They “sin against” a child. Instead of having the child’s best interest at heart, they live as they please even though it hurts the child. It’s easy to see examples of that.
Sometimes it’s what the child sees us doing. Even a child can usually recognize bad behavior. That’s especially true when you profess to be a Christian. Hypocrisy harms your child. They hear you talk about being a Christian and then they see you at home living the opposite of what the Bible teaches. They see your selfish spirit, terrible temper, wicked ways, awful attitude, lack of love, and hear your worldly words. Is it any wonder that they take the wrong path?
But sometimes it’s what the child doesn’t see that harms the child. The child doesn’t see any devotion to God, dedication to the family, direction for his life, delightful attention, discipline in the home, or desire to improve. And sadly that poor example has a bad and lasting affect on the child. God help us to be concerned about our child’s safety, schooling, supplies, and most of all his salvation and spiritual life.
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx
