March 1, 2003, Vol.3, No.5.
Two new articles every two weeks.
Bible Question? E-mail
us.
THIS ISSUE: "How
do I persuade my parents to become Christians?"
(see below)
and "What about the history
of violence
done in the name of Jesus?"
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS:
How do I persuade
my parents
to become Christians?
by Tom Rainwater
 QUESTION:
How do you save your parents when they strongly believe in
another religion? I am desperate to save my parents before they
die. And I also pray for them most of the time. Please help me.
I am a Christian, and only 11 years old.
ANSWER: Hi! I appreciate
your faith and your concern for your parents. You are showing
a great deal of maturity for your age.
It's hard for me to know exactly how to approach your parents
since I do not know them personally. What religion are they?
Perhaps I can find some material to help. In the meantime, here
are some things that would be good for you to do and remember:
Be Patient
First of all, I'm sure you realize that you can't make your
parents change their minds. They will have to do that on their
own. They will probably not like being pushed to change, and
you will have to have patience with them. It takes some people
a while to change the way they think.
"And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage
the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men."
(1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Be a Good Example
Secondly, your example (how you live) is the best teacher
you have.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct
honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you
as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe,
glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12)
If your parents can see how devoted you are to Christ and
that you are truly a righteous person, then perhaps they will
come to respect your faith and be more receptive to what you
have to say.
Be Studious
Third, study your Bible and learn as much as you can.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)
Since you are young, you will have a head start on a lot of
people who waited till they were older to become a Christian.
The more Bible knowledge you have, the better you will be able
to answer questions and defend the faith against other religions.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always
be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason
for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..."
(1 Peter 3:15)
Your studies will also help you grow and be strong spiritually.
"...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ..." (2 Peter 3:18)
"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the difficult days come..." (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Be Prayerful
Fourth, if your parents are not listening, then prayer is
very important (as you already know). Keep praying to God that
your parents might someday see the truth, and that, in the meantime,
many opportunities may come for them to be persuaded.
"...the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
avails much." (James 5:16)
Be Active with Other Christians
Fifth, let other Christians know about your parents and have
them pray for them, too. We will be praying for them here. Also,
spend a lot of time with other Christians, because they will
help encourage you when you get discouraged about your parents.
At the same time, you'll also be an encouragement to other Christians
because they'll see that you're remaining faithful to God in
a difficult situation. You are already an encouragement to me.
"And let us consider one another in order to stir
up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another..."
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
"...comfort each other and edify one another, just
as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
If you ever have any questions, feel free to write me and
I'll do the best job I can to answer them. Keep in touch. You
are in my prayers!
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