(April 4, 1990)
The question offered to families used to be “It’s 11 p.m... do you know where your children are?” Someone discovered it was often more appropriate to ask, “It’s 11 p.m... do you know where your parents are?” After reading about some recent “sex communication” seminars, a better question might be: “Parents, do you know who is teaching your children?”
These seminars were conducted in Alberta by... well, no one seems to want to admit who is responsible. According to a couple of people who attended, the promotional material didn’t reveal enough to keep them from signing up; but after they got there, they found themselves getting an “education” they didn’t anticipate or want.
Apparently a desensitizing process was the method of enlightenment used, involving a series of films that started out “innocently” enough but went to the other extreme by the end of the seminar. These films displayed sexual behavior. One person interpreted that the intention seemed to be to numb their minds gradually, so after three days, not one viewer would be shocked or offended by ANY kind of sexual BEHAVIOR, normal or otherwise. This person also said most of the people would have walked out on the third day’s films had they been shown them in the beginning. As it was, only a handful of people refused to watch any of them.
This deceptive instructional method was used in the name of education. The organizers were “not available for comment.” Most of those who were subjected to these films haven’t said much either. However, the impact may come out where we’d least like to see it... the seminars were offered to those responsible for the sex education of our children.
Anyone intrigued by the “sex communication” title could take some advice from the wisdom of Solomon: “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps...” A suspicious mind, especially these days, could be a healthy mind. Taking a harder look before signing on the dotted line might make the difference between prudently “seeing danger and taking refuge” or continuing on “and suffering for it.” (Proverbs 22:3)
Aside from that, the unwillingness by the organizers to even admit who they are, plus the deceptive techniques used, illustrate a Biblical principle regarding people who do not know God. They prefer a cover-up.
Jesus talked about such “cover-ups” after giving the familiar promise of John 3:16 (eternal life for those who believe in the Son of God). He went on to say those who do not believe in Him were “condemned already” because of their unbelief and refusal to come to Him. Why didn’t they come? “...because men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. Every one that does evil hates the light, and will not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”
Jesus warned about false teachers who look good on the outside by appearing “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Putting on the guise, “this is education” does not make a wolf into a lamb.
Colossians 2:8 also warns, “See that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy...” Christ is right up front with every thing He does and He instructs godly people to never use deceit of any kind. To do so reveals there is something wrong with either us or the message we have.
Probably the average reader is not going to be attending one of those sex seminars anyway. However, the people who did soon will be passing on the values (or lack of them) picked up from such “education”, to the heads and hearts of the average reader’s children. Obviously, as parents, we should be in the light about what is going on in the dark!
Besides that, if we are Christians, we need to be out there, shining as much light as possible. Those who refuse to come to the light at least will want to get away from where it is -- meaning they will have to peddle their sinful philosophies somewhere else.
Showing posts with label parental influence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parental influence. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Mirrored in our children ................. Parables 173
(July 12, 1989)
“Don’t do as I do, do as I say,” a frustrated father commands his rebellious youngster. But in the back of his mind he knows — it doesn’t work quite like that. This parent was seeing himself in his child.
Like it or not, kids are often mirrors, reflecting the way their parents look, talk, walk, and even behave. Appearance may be genetic, but certainly most commands given, most principles taught, directly or indirectly, are a reflection of mom’s and dad’s own character.
An interesting study of the branches of a family tree that grew from one very immoral couple revealed robbers, murderers, and a host of lowlife ancestors, many guilty of a great assortment of crime and immorality. In contrast, a God-fearing couple and their family tree were also studied. Its branches held highly respected bankers, statesmen, doctors, pastors, lawyers, even a vice-president. The mirror works both ways. A good example can be reflected too, not guaranteed 100%, but statistically a possibility.
Sometimes a question comes up relevant to children from “bad” homes. I remember the pleading voice of one who was afraid of becoming just like one parent, a person with a mental illness. Was that child locked into an unchangeable pattern? How could the images, impressions, and principles of life one grows up with be forgotten? How could the probability of following parental example and also becoming mentally ill be set aside?
The good news is that God offers changed lives through the miracle of a new birth. Even though the term “born again” has been exploited, misunderstood and ridiculed, it is still the only way that a person can receive a genuine new life — plus enter the family of God.
Jesus described this birth to a man named Nicodemus in John 3. Even though Nicodemus’ background was a far cry from “bad” and even though he was one of society’s elite — a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and even though he had the best upbringing possible, Jesus told him he needed a new life. He must be born again.
A psychoanalyst will say sin (if it’s acknowledged) is the fault of our parents. Certainly, no parenting is perfect. Or they will say our flaws are the fault of our environment. Certainly, no environment is perfect. But Jesus (who incidentally created both parents and environment) says the problem lies within the human heart. We were born with a sin-nature.
He says we must take personal responsibility for the fact that we sin and fall short of all we were created to be. If we will do that, He will give us a new heart through a new birth.
The new life He gives is His life. He takes up residence in those who invite Him to do so. In that incredible union, we begin to think differently, talk differently and act differently. We have a new role model to pattern ourselves by — and a new Father.
Similar to our earthly parents, this Heavenly Father asks of us those things that reflect His character. He says, “Be ye holy for I am holy.” He commands that we love, be pure, speak truth, practice faithfulness and behave righteously — because He is love, complete pure, truth itself, totally faithful, and completely righteous. Because He lives within, He enables us to live as He commands.
After this spiritual “new birth” occurs, like physical birth, there is a growing process. We learn to leave the sinful habits of the old life behind and move toward being like the One who created us. Mature Christians walk more and more like Christ, talk like Him, and behave like Him. He promises, “we will be just like Him when we see Him as He is.”
That is the glorious hope of the child of God; not to be like dad or mom, however good, or not so good they may be, but to be just like Jesus Christ.
“Don’t do as I do, do as I say,” a frustrated father commands his rebellious youngster. But in the back of his mind he knows — it doesn’t work quite like that. This parent was seeing himself in his child.
Like it or not, kids are often mirrors, reflecting the way their parents look, talk, walk, and even behave. Appearance may be genetic, but certainly most commands given, most principles taught, directly or indirectly, are a reflection of mom’s and dad’s own character.
An interesting study of the branches of a family tree that grew from one very immoral couple revealed robbers, murderers, and a host of lowlife ancestors, many guilty of a great assortment of crime and immorality. In contrast, a God-fearing couple and their family tree were also studied. Its branches held highly respected bankers, statesmen, doctors, pastors, lawyers, even a vice-president. The mirror works both ways. A good example can be reflected too, not guaranteed 100%, but statistically a possibility.
Sometimes a question comes up relevant to children from “bad” homes. I remember the pleading voice of one who was afraid of becoming just like one parent, a person with a mental illness. Was that child locked into an unchangeable pattern? How could the images, impressions, and principles of life one grows up with be forgotten? How could the probability of following parental example and also becoming mentally ill be set aside?
The good news is that God offers changed lives through the miracle of a new birth. Even though the term “born again” has been exploited, misunderstood and ridiculed, it is still the only way that a person can receive a genuine new life — plus enter the family of God.
Jesus described this birth to a man named Nicodemus in John 3. Even though Nicodemus’ background was a far cry from “bad” and even though he was one of society’s elite — a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and even though he had the best upbringing possible, Jesus told him he needed a new life. He must be born again.
A psychoanalyst will say sin (if it’s acknowledged) is the fault of our parents. Certainly, no parenting is perfect. Or they will say our flaws are the fault of our environment. Certainly, no environment is perfect. But Jesus (who incidentally created both parents and environment) says the problem lies within the human heart. We were born with a sin-nature.
He says we must take personal responsibility for the fact that we sin and fall short of all we were created to be. If we will do that, He will give us a new heart through a new birth.
The new life He gives is His life. He takes up residence in those who invite Him to do so. In that incredible union, we begin to think differently, talk differently and act differently. We have a new role model to pattern ourselves by — and a new Father.
Similar to our earthly parents, this Heavenly Father asks of us those things that reflect His character. He says, “Be ye holy for I am holy.” He commands that we love, be pure, speak truth, practice faithfulness and behave righteously — because He is love, complete pure, truth itself, totally faithful, and completely righteous. Because He lives within, He enables us to live as He commands.
After this spiritual “new birth” occurs, like physical birth, there is a growing process. We learn to leave the sinful habits of the old life behind and move toward being like the One who created us. Mature Christians walk more and more like Christ, talk like Him, and behave like Him. He promises, “we will be just like Him when we see Him as He is.”
That is the glorious hope of the child of God; not to be like dad or mom, however good, or not so good they may be, but to be just like Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
She gave what she had.........................Parables 002
This week someone told me of his Christian mother and her influence on people. He said, “She gave what she had.”
She had little formal education, was not a Bible scholar, and was not wealthy or famous by the world’s standards. But people who met her were not satisfied with one meeting. They came back over and over again. When she died, hundreds of friends attended her funeral.
What did she have? The man said words like “love” and “hospitality,” however his first statement, “She gave what she had,” seemed to be essential to her attractiveness. The virtues she possessed would have been meaningless to others had she not did something with them. She gave them away.
This woman’s son affirmed that her goodness came from God. He then spoke of God, who also loves, welcomes, and gives. The God of the Bible gives rain, and sunshine, and good for His creatures. He gives grace and strength, and understanding, and wisdom to all who ask Him in faith. The greatest gift of all is that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but has the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16)
This Christian mother possessed that life. Out of it flowed virtue to bless others. Her son regretted that she could no longer give in this way. However, we rejoiced too, because when God gave what He had, it never stopped by reason of a funeral. In fact, death made possible the most precious of His gifts: the death of His Son meant the gift of eternal life.
She had little formal education, was not a Bible scholar, and was not wealthy or famous by the world’s standards. But people who met her were not satisfied with one meeting. They came back over and over again. When she died, hundreds of friends attended her funeral.
What did she have? The man said words like “love” and “hospitality,” however his first statement, “She gave what she had,” seemed to be essential to her attractiveness. The virtues she possessed would have been meaningless to others had she not did something with them. She gave them away.
This woman’s son affirmed that her goodness came from God. He then spoke of God, who also loves, welcomes, and gives. The God of the Bible gives rain, and sunshine, and good for His creatures. He gives grace and strength, and understanding, and wisdom to all who ask Him in faith. The greatest gift of all is that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but has the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16)
This Christian mother possessed that life. Out of it flowed virtue to bless others. Her son regretted that she could no longer give in this way. However, we rejoiced too, because when God gave what He had, it never stopped by reason of a funeral. In fact, death made possible the most precious of His gifts: the death of His Son meant the gift of eternal life.
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