One of the most difficult things that occur for all parents is allowing their children to date. Whether it is going out with a group of friends, if they are girl going out with a boy or if they are a boy going out with a girl. It is a part of growing up, yet it is a hard part for parents. It is often portrayed in movies in a variety of ways; you have seen it. We make jokes about it. It brings up emotions and feelings. It can cause worry, anxiety, happiness and believe it or not, reteach us to use clocks.
Let's be honest, "meeting the dad" or the male figure is a stereotype we associate with this situation. It just is. It conjures images, stories and more. When my children were dating, this was most definitely the case. However, there was one thing all dates were faced with. They were faced with me and one simple question.
I asked each and every date, "Are you a Christian?" Inevitably they all answered yes. (I did have one who answered, 'I don't know." I was grateful for that answer because it allowed us to have later talks.) I would always smile and say, "Good. So let me ask you. If, while you are out, someone comes up to you, grabs (my son or daughter - whichever it applied to) puts a gun to their head and says renounce your faith, your Christ, or I will shoot them, what would you do?" This is where the answers got good.
I heard every sort of response. Some were short. Some were creative. Some were long and detailed. One was, "I don't know because that will never happen" or "What kind of question is that?" The funny thing is, my children even told them in advance I was going to ask the question and they did not believe it or prepare for it (even though the kids gave them the correct answer!) I usually let them ramble, babble, flounder and sweat it out for a few minutes before I stopped them.
But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in
heaven. ~Matthew 10:33 (NKJV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of
my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalms 27:1 (NKJV)
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ~Matthew 24:13 (ESV)
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be
condemned. ~Mark 16:16 (ESV)
My children are saved. They have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. I know where they are going. You kiss them on the forehead and tell whoever to shoot them. You see if you really are a Christian, you would know this. My simple question to you is, did you really answer honestly the first time?
We can discuss this scenario. The reality of the matter is simple. We all know that. We can play it out and know each time how it would go.
The truth; however, is more important. As a Christian, one who has Christ in my heart, the Holy Spirit at my side and God as the center of my life, there is only one answer. It cannot play out any other way. Do you see that? Do you understand that?
In life, I ask you that simple question. Do you have that assurance? Do you have that peace? It is not easy (remember, He never said it would be.) There are times when there will be pain, grief, darkness, depression but not one time, not once, are we alone. Not one time are we left not knowing the ultimate outcome. We can endure anything for a season. Do we merely give in and give up because of the moment in front of us even though it seems dire and unfathomable?
There has never been a time more critical, more urgent than right now, right this second to understand the importance of a simple question. Ask yourself. Answer Him.
Comments