First, we must introduce them to Jesus Christ. This is done from the time they are a babe until they are grown. We can accomplish this paramount obligation by the lives we live in front of our children. How many times do our children imitate us and what we do? What greater lifestyle to follow than that of Christ?

Second, we must instruct them through Bible study (2 Tim. 2:15). As our children grow, we can teach them the Bible in different ways. Whether it is reading a Bible story to them at bedtime, or enjoying a family devotional, or taking them to Bible class, or reviewing what they have studied our young people can grow in God's Word (2 Pet. 3:18). As we sometimes sing with them, "Read your Bible, pray everyday, and you'll grow, grow, grow. 

Third, we must inform them of the dangers and temptations in the world. Although we cannot always understand the reasons for the shootings, murders, perversion, and all other wickedness in our nation today, we do know that our society is becoming numb to all the corruption in our world. People no longer blush at sin (Jer. 6:15). We must inform our children of how God wants us to live (Prov. 3:6; Heb. 11:25), and train them accordingly (Prov. 22:6).

Fourth, we must ignite in our children a love for Christ that will never fade. We must teach them that as Christians we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16). They must never be ashamed to defend Christ and His Word (Rom. 1:16). They must realize that it is imperative to stand for what is right (2 Tim. 3:12).

Through these actions, we demonstrate a deep love for our children. Even now when I look upon my cherished children, I have a desire to share with them the sweet story of Jesus. As a Christian parent, I want to bring them up in the nurture and the admonition of he Lord (Eph. 6:4), so one day they will be prepared to obey the gospel of Christ , and I trust they will then want to share the plan of salvation with others. Are these unrealistic goals for a parent to set? I think not! After all, our children are a prized possession we can take to heaven! Don't you want to take your child? 

The power of a woman is greatly underestimated. In fact, women exert such a strong influence on society that we can get a picture of a nation's spiritual health by looking at the spiritual health of the women in that nation. God's plan is for women to be "holy, discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good and obedient to their own husbands" (Titus 2:4-5). But, when that plans is not obeyed a nation is destined to fall.

In Isaiah 3:16-24 we read of the corrupt nation of Judah, God's chosen people. God had blessed His people, but they had not been faithful to Him. Isaiah, inspired by God, regarded vain and haughty women as a contributing factor to the corruption and fall of Judah. These women were supposed to be children of God. They knew God's commandments, but apparently had little respect for them. God charged these women with being haughty, proud and arrogant. These ungodly women of Judah sought attention by the way they walked; they were condemned for their proud posture, seductive eyes and indecent dress. Their motive was to lure married and unmarried men to sin.

Isaiah tells of twenty-one items the women of Judah possessed, from anklets to head ties, perfume boxes to mirrors, and several different types of clothing. However, these items used by the women to beautify themselves were not the problem. Neither Isaiah nor Peter (I Peter 3:1-5) condemns women for adorning themselves. God wants women to look their best and to enjoy luxurious things. But the problem comes when women-like the women of Judah- are selfish, materialistic, proud and sensuous. When women develop these characteristics, following the world with its lust and lascivious ways, untold harm can and will be done. Corrupt women make corrupt men, and corrupt men lead nations into moral decay. The problem begins when women abandon their God-given roles.

The women of Judah were similar to many women of America today. God has been so good to America. We are a free country, a country blessed with the best of material things. We have spiritual freedom and have accumulated more knowledge than any nation before us. With all these blessings, many Christian women are failing to see the inconsistency of patterning their conduct and dress after the world. This worldly influence has caused much of the problems we have in society and in our homes today. The problems are both in the world and in the Lord's church. A return to the Bible and God's pattern for the home is the answer for a troubled nation.

God wants Christian women to influence our nation, to be God-fearing, holy and pure. Women can strive for no higher purpose than living a faithful Christian life. Godly women produce godly nations. Let's never underestimate the influence of a woman. Her influence can cause a nation to rise or fall. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).