All summer long and now into the fall, I have been increasingly disappointed in my lack of a book review on this blog. It is not that I do not have the time, nor do I think I lack the mental capacity to complete a book, but simply due to the fact that I like starting as many books that I can and then leaving them unfinished on the bookshelf. After many months of delay, and some encouragement by my wife, I completed Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. Christian Instruction
As Christians, there is an ever-increasing need for instruction and guidance in the area of rearing a family in a God-centered home. Voddie Baucham attempts in this book to equip his readers with the tools and instruction they need to rear children in an anti-family, anti-Christian world.
There is Work to be Done
The statistics show that we as Christians, and especially as Christian parents, have our work cut out for us. Recent studies show that between 70 and 88 percent of "Christian teens" are leaving the church by their second year in college. A failure rate of around 80 percent is staggering! While many in the church may attempt to blame pastors, youth pastors, children ministries, or even nurseries, the responsibility for preparing, disciplining, and discipling children lies squarely on the shoulders of parents.
This book provides readers with insight into how seriously Dr. Baucham approaches the task of giving his children a home that is focused on glorifying God first and foremost.
Cultivating a Biblical Worldview
One of the main components of preparing our children is to give them a proper worldview. This word is being tossed around a lot lately, but what it boils down to is that we act upon what we believe. How you react to different things in the world is based upon your system of beliefs. As parents, we are responsible for giving our children a Christian worldview, one that is based upon scripture. Reading this book has convicted me of my own shortcomings when it comes to "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15) If I or my wife or my children have a conversation with someone who wants to know the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations upon which we make ethical decisions, we must be prepared.
We are Accountable
Our children must be surrounded by a God-glorifying home. It is not enough for us to merely worship at church, but it is something that is essential to the Christian home. How are they to learn by simply attending church for 2-3 hours every week? How can one be expected to defend their faith, or even share their faith with others if they are not immersed in a home that is God-centered? Christians, and especially Christian men, must be leading their family. We will be held accountable for what we have done with our families, and it is a responsibility that we should take lightly. One day we will answer to God and God alone for what we have or have not done.
Be Prepared
After reading this book, I have come to realize that the blessing of being a parent does not come easily. We must be prepared. We cannot put off our responsibility onto someone else's shoulders because ultimately, we will be responsible.
Is it worth reading? Most definitely. Will you have a new outlook on homeschooling, family worship, and the importance of the church in the life of your family? You should.
