Women Raised In Legalistic Homes

She was raised in a "Christian" home.  She was homeschooled.  She had to wear clothes that completely covered her body.  They had no television and couldn't read secular books.  They couldn't be in youth groups or socialize with the secular world at all.  After church, the parents would criticize the sermons and make sure the children knew truth. 

This sounds like a religion composed of legalism rather than a relationship with Jesus.  She ended up leaving the family at 18 years old and rebelled from everything she was taught.  She drank, smoke, and slept around.  Eventually, she turned back to the Lord and found who she was in Christ.  Her worth comes from Him and not a set of rules.

I have read several young women's blogs that have come from this experience.  They have a lot of good things to say now but they are still very young and have some deep scars from their upbringing.  She doesn't believe in biblical submission {none of these younger women seem to because they were so victimized by men when they were younger} and they believe modesty only means to not wear real expensive clothing.

They are still learning.  They seem to have hearts for the Lord and I pray they continue to have teachable hearts.  Their parents made mistakes.  I am sure they did what they thought was best.  Most parents do.  We all make mistakes but from raising my children, the most important thing we wanted was our children's heart. 

We wanted them to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.  He does have rules for us, however.  He expects us to walk in obedience to those rules.  They are for our good.  Just like we, as parents, have rules for our children to follow for their own good.

We must not throw the baby out with the bathwater.  God wants us to dress modestly.  He wants us to dwell on the good and lovely.  He wants us to reserve sex for marriage.  You must teach your children these truths.

Then you must love them like crazy, laugh a lot, and let them see the joy of the Lord.  They must see you walking the talk.  If they see hypocrisy, it won't work.  Live what you believe.  Be warm, loving, and affectionate with them.  Make sure they know who they are in Christ.

Set boundaries.  Don't ever be afraid of setting boundaries for fear they may rebel.  Only children with rebellious hearts rebel.  Work with your children's hearts.  Jesus transforms hearts.  Help them fall in love with the Lover of their souls.

Finally, pray.  Pray a lot.  Ask God for wisdom and keep seeking Him.  He promises to give wisdom to those who ask.  Ask and you will receive.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Matthew 7:7

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