I always wondered why one of the qualifications for being an Elder is something that you cant control. I mean you can raise your offspring right and in the Lord, but at the end of the day we all make our own choices and if they end up disobedient, is it your fault? Who knows.
I know growing up I made terrible choices and it wasn't my parents fault.
BUT: I agree with you VCO, those are the qualifications and God knows why thats the best qualifications for an Elder, and so we follow them. Let God be true and everyman a liar. Was just wondering if anyone has a particular reason in mind for why that is?
This should be the ANSWER, if you BELIEVE GOD's WORD.
Joshua 1:8 (HCSB)
8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.
Proverbs 22:6 (HCSB)
6 Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 13:24 (HCSB)
24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Now when you listen to God's instructions on how to raise a Child by HIS STANDARDS,
and HE SAYS THE CHILD WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT.
So Who is at fault when a Child Departs from GOD's Ways? Maybe you did not use the ROD or BELT often enough?
I was a Sunday School Teacher for High School Age. Two of the biggest Trouble Makers were children that had ELDERS for DADS. And one of those parents had an older Son that was in Prison. The Church had ALL KINDS OF INTERNAL BICKERINGS, and the Church Ended up Splitting. I think NONE of that would have happened, had they Followed GOD's Outlines for choosing BIBLICAL ELDERS.
The CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, had a Bumper Sticker that READ:
"IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE IN DISCIPLINING YOUR CHILD,
WE WILL DISCIPLINE HIM WHEN HE GETS OLDER."
I think this was on "Focus on the Family" radio program, when they were interviewing an Christian that was a Sheriff. He said,
"The Surest way to raise a Juvenile Delinquent, is NOT to Discipline him when he is a Child."
So have we REAPED what we have SOWN, or what? Most Parents only think Discipline should never be more than a Scolding.
I have seen Spoiled Children with there parents in line at the Grocery Store, who just Scream and Kick, throwing an absolute
Temper Tantrum when they are told they cannot have a candy bar. And their Parents doing NOTHING ABOUT IT, as I stand their THINKING,
"DO YOU WANT TO BORROW MY BELT?"