By Ben Giselbach
It is painful to think about the number of people I know who have fallen away from Christ. I am not talking about the people who were first-generation Christians. Of course, when someone––who previously had no family background in New Testament Christianity––puts on Christ in baptism and then falls back into the world, it is heartbreaking. Those cases, though tragic, are not what I have in mind at the moment. What I am talking about is even worse: people who have fallen into a world of sinful living despite having grown up in a Christian home. 
I do not claim to know all of the reasons why many children of faithful parents have left the church. I am not one of them, so I am unable to fully sympathize with their reasoning. What I can do is reflect upon what my dad did to ensure that I “take up my cross daily” for the rest of my life (Luke 9:23). Consider a few examples: 

  1. My dad put God first. My dad’s life was a commentary on our Lord’s command to “seek first the Kingdom” (Matthew6:33). There was never any doubt that the Giselbachhouse served God, not any earthly idol (cf. Joshua 24:15; Matthew 6:24). If a movie contained bad language, the whole family would walk out of the theater. If a ball game or event conflicted with a church activity or worship service, God and His church were always our priority. God came first; no questions asked. I always knew my dad was “[pressing] on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), and he instilled that in me on a daily basis. 
  2. My dad taught me God’s Word. My framework for spiritual growth and Bible knowledge began at home. Unlike most parents, my dad did not leave my spiritual and moral education to a Bible class teacher at church one or two times a week. Don’t misunderstand; Bible classes are important. But they are a poor substitute for the training a child should receive at home. My dad and I had Bible studies, devotionals, and conversations about spiritual things. Both he and my mom would make sure I memorized Scripture and important facts about the Bible. They taught me the difference between right and wrong, and how to discern truth from error.
  3. My dad spent time with me. I have fond memories of my dad playing outside in the yard with me as a child. I still remember the times we would “secretly” go get a hot dog or hamburger, and then try to “hide” our trip from Mom. He would make the coolest toys for me out of wood. My dad did not merely say he loved me, he showed me by the time he spent with me. His affection helped me better understand God’s love. Jesus said God’s love is more perfect than even my own father’s love (Matthew 7:11). After trying to wrap my mind around the magnitude of my earthly father’s love, attempting to grasp God’s love is overwhelming. How could I fall away from Christ, knowing how much my God loves me? 
  4. My dad spoke highly of the church. Many who have left the church not only had Christian parents, but also had fathers who were Gospel preachers. It must be tempting for preachers to point out the hypocrisy of members of the church in front of their families, because many of their children end up with a poor opinion of the Lord’s church. In contrast, my dad was careful to never berate any aspect of the church or her members. Though I am sure he was, at times, critical of an unqualified elder or an unruly member, he made it a point to never vent in front of me. All fathers, preachers and non-preachers alike, need to speak positively about the church of Christ around their children. Because my dad always spoke highly of the beautiful bride of Christ (Ephesians5:25-27), I grew up with a positive image of her. There is nothing that I love more than Christ and His church.

Above all, my dad’s purpose was to help me get to Heaven. By putting God first, teaching me His Word, spending time with me, and painting the church in a positive light, he equipped me with everything I needed to become a faithful disciple of Christ.