Biblical Answer

Can I Still Be a Good Parent Even When I'm Dying?

As a Christian, we understand that our lives are not our own. We are accountable to God, and our actions have consequences not only in this life but also in the next. However, this does not mean that we should be afraid of dying or that our worth as parents is diminished by our mortality. In fact, the Bible teaches us that our relationship with our children is a reflection of our relationship with God. As parents, we have a sacred duty to teach our children the gospel and to model godly behavior for them. This is not about our own worth or value as parents, but about our obedience to God and our desire to see our children come to know Him.

The Bible is clear that our children are a blessing from God, and that we should rejoice in their presence in our lives (Psalm 127:3-5). While it is true that our mortality may bring challenges and difficulties, it is also true that our children will one day have to face their own mortality. As parents, we must teach them to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of death. We must also model for them a life of faith and obedience, so that they will be equipped to navigate the challenges of life and death with confidence and peace. This is not about being a "good" parent in our own strength, but about being a vessel for God's work in the lives of our children.

As we approach the end of our lives, we must not be consumed by anxiety or fear. Instead, we should focus on the things that truly matter: our relationship with God and our relationship with our children. We should pray for our children, asking God to give them the gift of faith and to lead them to Himself. We should also pray for ourselves, asking God to give us the strength and wisdom we need to be the parents He has called us to be. And we should trust that, even in our mortality, we can still be a source of blessing and guidance to our children, as we live out the gospel and point them to the One who is our hope and our salvation. As the Psalmist writes, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O God, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands" (Psalm 138:8). May we be faithful to this call, even in the face of death.