Prodigal Sons and Daughters

I read an insightful article by Abraham Piper about what to do with a prodigal son or daughter. This is a must read if you have a wayward kid.  It was good for a couple of reasons:

• It was written by a former prodigal.
• It does not sugar coat the reality of children who choose not to believe in Jesus.
• It gives hope and encouragement to parents.
• It reminds us that parents can do everything right and still have a wayward child.
• It reminds us that God is sovereign in all things - even when a child turns away from the faith.

This excerpt gives you a little dose of Abraham’s wayward reality:

At first I pretended that my reasoning was high-minded and philosophical. But really I just wanted to drink gallons of cheap sangria and sleep around. Four years of this and I was strung out, stupefied and generally pretty low. Especially when I was sober or alone.

Here are his main points, but make sure you read the whole article:

1. Point them to Christ.
2. Pray.
3. Acknowledge that something is wrong.
4. Don’t expect them to be Christlike.
5. Welcome them home.
6. Plead with them more than you rebuke them.
7. Connect them to other believers.
8. Respect their friends.
9. E-mail them.
10. Take them to lunch.
11. Take an interest in their pursuits.
12. Point them to Christ.