A Key Ingredient

(Proverbs 11:30 KJV)  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

I wonder if part of the meaning here is that a “righteous” (6662) life will bear fruit in our families and our children’s spiritual condition.  Notice the previous verse talks about our own house.  I have always wondered what it was that caused children to grow up as mature Christians.  Parents cannot be the only factor.  I know some people who are serving the Lord with gladness but came from families that being called “dysfunctional” would have been seen as a complement.  I have seen families where some children serve God and others are disciples of evil. 

But while parents are not the only factor they are an important one.  Fathers and mothers that seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness have a greater potential for being successful with their children.  You can’t do away with free will, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit but it seems that God also throws in our examples as parents.

So?  Live like it makes a difference.  You know why.