I’m not sure exactly what the Duggar family believes about our sinful nature, salvation, or their own parenting. Regardless of the mistakes they made in the wake of their son’s “inexcusable” acts toward his sisters and other young women in their home, the situation points to some sobering truths that should bring all parents to our knees, in humble prayers for mercy.
Reality #1: We can’t always protect our kids.
Many Christian leaders are speaking out against the dangers of sleepovers and encouraging family policies against them. Most cite the incidence of first-time sexual experiences as the number-one reason. I don’t know if the Duggars have had that policy for their kids, but even if they had, their family wouldn’t have been protected.
While it’s easy to point the finger at them and criticize their parenting, the truth is that none of us is a perfect parent. We all make mistakes, and even if we were perfect parents, our kids have their own sinful natures, from which we can’t protect them. We can make what we see as responsible choices, but ultimately, we need to trust the God of Heaven — who can redeem even the most hopeless-looking situations — to keep His promises and guide our kids.
Reality #2: None of our kids are above such sins.
I don’t know the Duggars’ exact beliefs about “the depravity of mankind” or our sin natures, but any of their kids is capable of the worst kinds of sins — just like yours and mine are. It’s a strange irony that the same world that seems to tar and feather Josh Duggar celebrates sexual freedom from almost everyone else. While what he did was truly sinful, none of us — or our kids — is good enough to earn God’s grace. We all stand deserving of judgment and in need of mercy. We can praise our great God for providing a way out from the worst consequences from our sin.
Reality #3: Sin always comes with consequences.
Even though Christ paid the price, and we do not need to suffer eternal punishment for our sin, there are still consequences on this earth. We do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). In addition, all human difficulty and suffering is in some way due to sin — whether it’s the initial sin in the Garden of Eden, our own sin, or the sins of others. “Sin” is the big answer to the question, “Why do bad things happen?”
But it’s also important to remember that with those consequences, God still offers us grace and forgiveness. Unlike the world that says “Repentance Isn’t Good Enough,” God’s law and His provision for forgiveness and restoration allows us to live free from guilt and shame, if we take Him at His Word. Like Psalm 19 says, His ways are truly best!
Amid these sobering truths, parents of teens can be encouraged because there is a God in Heaven who loves their kids even more than they do.
Continue reading
- Sobering Realities Amid the Josh Duggar Drama
- Confronting Falsehoods Surrounding the Josh Duggar Drama, Part 1
- Confronting Falsehoods Surrounding the Josh Duggar Drama, Part 2
- Confronting Falsehoods Surrounding the Josh Duggar Drama, Part 3
Image credits: Top © Konstantin Sutyagin/Fotolia; 2nd © Phase4Photography/Fotolia
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