My brother-in-law is an unbeliever and bore a son (now 9) out of wedlock. He is suffering from generational sin of drunkenness, etc that still exists in my in-laws home (2 other children are the same way). He got married to his wife who was 8 months pregnant at the time and they now have another child (2 hers/ his and 1 his into that marriage). His wife can not stand the 9 year old b/c he is unruly and will not listen and, of course, her mothering style, per se, is worldly at best. He stays in constant trouble at school. Sad case.
My father-in-law (unbeliever but will tell you otherwise) and mother-in-law (probably unbeliever) have taken it upon themselves to pretty much raise the 9 year old. They went to my pastor and elders for advice a year ago but haven't been back again probably b/c of the advice wasn't what they wanted to hear and it would also expose their unbelief (In my humble opinion). They instead are seeking worldly counselors now that just don't have a clue.
My wife is saddened because her mother will not ask for advice from her daughter. Not to be prideful in any way but we try to raise our children in light of Scripture as you all do - with love, discipline (out of love) and steadfast prayer, teaching them God's word and helping them to hide it in their hearts in hope that God will cleanse their hearts quickly.
The 9 year old sees a difference when he comes to our house and acts differently yet my mother-in-law will not ask my wife for any advice and that tears her up.
What to do? We have thought of, an probably will, asking her why she doesn't ask? We pray for her and the condition of her soul. We even thought of helping keep the 9 year old but that would disrupt the order of our children b/c they are 7, 6, 3 and 1.
My father-in-law (unbeliever but will tell you otherwise) and mother-in-law (probably unbeliever) have taken it upon themselves to pretty much raise the 9 year old. They went to my pastor and elders for advice a year ago but haven't been back again probably b/c of the advice wasn't what they wanted to hear and it would also expose their unbelief (In my humble opinion). They instead are seeking worldly counselors now that just don't have a clue.
My wife is saddened because her mother will not ask for advice from her daughter. Not to be prideful in any way but we try to raise our children in light of Scripture as you all do - with love, discipline (out of love) and steadfast prayer, teaching them God's word and helping them to hide it in their hearts in hope that God will cleanse their hearts quickly.
The 9 year old sees a difference when he comes to our house and acts differently yet my mother-in-law will not ask my wife for any advice and that tears her up.
What to do? We have thought of, an probably will, asking her why she doesn't ask? We pray for her and the condition of her soul. We even thought of helping keep the 9 year old but that would disrupt the order of our children b/c they are 7, 6, 3 and 1.
