of the sin problem and that can only be done through Calvary. We read in Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked for sake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him re turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” This is what has happened to you. You have turned to God; He’s abundant ly pardoned you, and through Christ you have been saved. Now you’re concerned about your family. May I say, there are several things you can do. First of all, do what you can to help them grow spir itually, but don’t let their lack of spirituality prevent your own devel opment. So often young people have gone into partnership with God, but because their parents or brothers and sisters did not go along with them, they began to slip back them selves. You do have some responsi bility to help your parents, but you have an even greater responsibility to yourself. For your own personal growth, be sure that each morning and each night you have a time of praying and reading the scriptures. Associate with other believers. Read books that will be especially helpful. There are a number of fine ones available for teenagers at Christian bookstores. Keep putting yourself in to a Christian environment. Then as soon as possible, get into a fine Chris tian college or Bible institute. All these activities will help you to grow spiritually. As far as your parents are con cerned, I think there are several things you can do. First of all, you can live the Christian life in front of them in such a way that they can see there’s a real change in your life. Secondly, encourage them to go to church with you. When there’s an outstanding Christian speaking in town, or a fine film being shown, get them out to these whether they are in your own church or another one. You could say, “Mom and Dad, I ’ll take care of the dishes tonight. You go ahead and see that film, or hear that man speak.” Then always try to do what you can around the house to enable them to attend Sunday School and church. In this way they can be in an atmosphere where God can influence their lives. You may also want to provide good Christian literature for them. As they read, their lives can be changed. Then do continue to pray for your family. Remember that God is even more interested in their being in fel lowship with Him than you are. As you are faithful in praying, He can work in their lives in a wonderful way to bring them to Himself.
FEATUREM
talking it over... with Dr. Clyde M. Narramore Dr. Narramore, graduate of Columbia Uni versity, New York City, is a nationally known psychologist. He is the director of one of America's largest psychological clinics — The Christian Counseling Center in Rosemead, California. HUSBAND OR CHILDREN? Q. My husband passed away several years ago, and this year I have re married. We live in a state some dis tance from my grown children. I feel now that I have done the wrong thing because my daughter feels that I am as far away as her father and she will never see me again. I have tried to explain to her that I have a good home and husband so I am bet ter off than when I was so lonely. Should.I leave my husband and go back to the state where I used to live, or should I stay here ? A . It is only natural for you to have some feeling's of uncertainty and for your daughter to feel lonely since you have moved some distance away. But you should stay with your hus band. You are married, and marriage is for a lifetime. Taking any other course of action will not solve this problem. Your daughter, even though she is a grown person, may have been rath er dependent upon you. The fact that she wants you to be with her may be an indication that she has some problems. But even if you went and sat on her doorstep, this wouldn’t solve her problems. Here are a few suggestions which may be helpful in resolving your dilemna. Try to keep in close con tact with your daughter in the com ing months. You know, evening rates are such now that a person can phone very easily and inexpensively. Why don’t you pick up the phone once in a while and talk with her, as well as writing to her often? You might also consider visiting her for a short time or inviting her to come to your home for a brief visit. Then do pray for her and ask God to undertake
in her life. Encourage her to develop a close walk with the Lord as well as seeking the fellowship of other Christians in her own area. In time the problem of her loneliness may largely be solved. You are married and should stay with your husband. Give yourselves a little time, and you will find the problem with your daughter work ing out I am sure. CONCERNED TEENAGER Q. I am a teenager who was saved several years ago just the day before my birthday. That was the happiest birthday I ever had! My parents and brother were saved the same week, but they haven’t remained close to the Lord. I know no one is perfect, but I would like to see my family closer to God. I pray for them each night in my personal devotions and ha/oe asked them to join me. But each time they say, “Well, we’U see about it.” Then they never show up. I thought I ’d write to see if you have any suggestions for something I can do to help my parents. A. Thank you for your letter which is a source of real encouragement. We hear much about teenagers who are troubled and upset these days. Then we learn about a fine young person like you who loves the Lord and wants your parents to experi ence a close walk with Him. I am sure you are typical of many out standing Christian teenagers. I want to say how happy I am to know of your conversion. As a psy chologist, I realize that we are physi cal beings with physical needs; we are spiritual beings with spiritual needs; and we are psychological be ings with psychological needs. As a spiritual being, we need to take care
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JANUARY, 1970
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