No Automatic Dedication Today

3, 4. What can help children of dedicated parents to make a voluntary dedication?

³ The Bible shows that God considers young children to be holy even if only one of their parents is a faithful Christian. (1 Corinthians 7:14) Does that make such children dedicated servants of Jehovah? No. However, children who are raised by parents who are dedicated to Jehovah receive training that can lead those children to make a voluntary dedication to Jehovah. Wise King Solomon wrote: “Observe, O my son, the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. . . . When you walk about, it will lead you; when you lie down, it will stand guard over you; and when you have waked up, it itself will make you its concern. For the commandment is a lamp, and a light the law is, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.”​—Proverbs 6:20-23.

Facing Up to Your Responsibility

12. (a) While parents can train their children, what can they not do for them? (b) When does a young person become responsible before Jehovah for the choices he makes?

¹² The time comes when you young people are no longer protected by the faithfulness of your parents. (1 Corinthians 7:14) The disciple James wrote: “If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.” (James 4:17) Parents cannot serve God for their children any more than children can serve God for their parents. (Ezekiel 18:20) Have you learned about Jehovah and his purposes? Are you old enough to understand what you have learned and to begin to have a personal relationship with him? Would it not then be reasonable to think that God considers you capable of deciding to serve him?