All Kidding Aside

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.

-- Psalm 71:6

Maybe you read that controversial editorial a year or so ago that went viral. It wasn't about politics, the economy or even a celebrity or sports team. Instead, the author expressed his deep concern about our nation's children. He wrote that they no longer had good manners, they showed no respect for their elders and they reflected negative societal influences, violence and danger.

"What will become of our children?" was the writer's rhetorical (but sincere) question. His opinion was that without drastic change and direction, their future would be quite bleak.

Maybe a little background here will put things into perspective. Yes, this editorial appeared in the media a few years ago. But actually, it was more than just a few. In fact, many more.

How about in the 1840s!

It all goes to show that some issues are timeless. And when it comes to showing concern for our children, that's a very good thing. Children--as the saying goes--are our future. And the Bible tells us that respectful, obedient children don't just happen by accident. Godly parenting involves intentional actions and instruction. Consider what the Book of Deuteronomy from the Old Testament says to parents about emphasizing God's ways to their kids:

"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Children not only look for boundaries of acceptable behavior, they crave direction and seek love and approval. It's when they don't get enough from their parents that they can act out, perform poorly at school and gravitate toward the wrong crowd and bad influences.

So what's a parent (new or veteran) to do?

First, understand that parenting is privilege rather than a burden. And second, remember that God is our heavenly parent. That means that we as human parents have the great responsibility of playing his role in the child-raising process. Therefore, we need to follow God's example for raising us: Give your children unconditional love, apply consistent discipline and give them spiritual direction. What's more, we must lead through our own positive attitude and outlook on life.

No one said that parenting is easy. But in a society that's quickly turning its back on God, being a mom or dad is arguably the most important job in the world--and one that has literal world-changing consequences.