The story of the prodigal son
(Luke 15:11-32) contains a principle that faithful parents can use to respond to and deal with children who are walking contrary to the path in which their parents have raised them. were Parents should remember that once their children reach adolescence, they are no longer subject to parental authority.
In the story of the prodigal son, the little son takes his inheritance and goes to a far country and destroys everything there. In the case of a child who is a born-again believer, it is only natural to get in his way to do so. In the case of a child who openly confesses his faith in Christ, we may call this child “lost.” The phrase, meaning “a person who squanders all his resources,” is an accurate description of a child who leaves home and loses the spiritual inheritance that his parents have accumulated. Whole years of nurturing, love and care are forgotten when this child rebels against God. For first of all every kind of rebellion is against God, and it manifests itself against parents and one’s authority.
Note that in this parable the father does not prevent his son from leaving the house. Neither did they go after their child and try to protect him. Instead, this father faithfully stays at home and prays for him, and when the child “comes of his own accord” and comes back again, the parent waits for him and watches his way and runs to welcome his child and so on. That he is “far away”.
When our sons and daughters go their own way – assuming they are old enough to do so – and make decisions that we know will come with harsh consequences, parents need to let their child go and to give permission to leave. The parents do not know their aftermath, and the parents do not need to intervene in the consequences that will befall him. Expecting this, parents should stop at home, pray faithfully and watch for signs of repentance and change of direction. Until they come, parents should keep their counsel to themselves, not support rebellion, and not interfere (1 Peter 4:15).
Once children are legally minors, they are subject only to the authority of God and the authority imposed upon them by the government (Romans 13:1-7). As parents, we can help our lost sons and daughters by loving and praying and being ready to stand with them when they once again turn to God on their own. God often uses self-inflicted pain to bring about wisdom, and it is up to each person to respond in the right way. As parents, we cannot save our children – only God can. Until that time comes, we must promise, pray, and leave the matter in God’s hands. It may be a painful process, but when it is done according to the Bible, Then it gives peace to the mind and heart. We cannot judge our child, only God can. There is great comfort in this: “Doth not the judge of all the earth judge justly?” (Genesis 18:25b).
