
How often do I hear complaints about the 'younger' generation. It is true that post-modernism has taken it's toll on our children and society. The relative philosophy that every one has a 'right' to their own truth has made for many the Bible just another book, maybe a 'good' book but each has the right to determine for themselves any truth they might find within the Bible. This post-modern thinking not only has changed our culture in the secular world, it has invaded the church. I too have been one of those who complain about this generation. Reflection revealed that I too over the years have allowed this world's thinking to govern much of my attitudes and actions. How could or how can we make a difference to our children and this world? The writer of Deuteronomy answers the question: "command your children to do, all the words of this law."
Looking back in time reveals an ever changing world, especially during the 60's, rock 'n' roll music extended from the 50's; then the 70's with Vietnam War and all the protest songs, hippies, (just me and my dog blue, traveling thru the land); disco. Oh! how I remember the disco, Angel Flight pants and shirts, the flashing floors with multi-colored lights beaming up a sureal scene. Dancing the night away to the Bee Jees. The 80's brought into this culture a new class of young adults, the 'yuppies' with the freedom of drugs, and parties, the 90's a period of adjustment, some fell away from the 'yuppie' scene and became successful in pursuits. For the last ten years we have television programs that seem more like soft porn, and an everything goes programming. Tatoo's are the latest thing, all who do seem to be trying to express themselves in some manner by placing images on their bodies and rings in places other than ear lobes. "Freedom, Freedom," goes the song, by an artist I can't remember.
I too as many have, caught up in much of what this world had to offer, and left a trail of sadness and brokenness in the path behind me. In the end all the fun turned into regrets. How could that have been avoided and what am I doing to help my children not get caught up in this world's fantasy of 'good times?'
The need to teach our children by parents the principles within the pages of the Bible. So important even if seemingly there is not much headway with the children. Consistency, demonstrating Biblical principles in or daily living is what will turn the tide. How do I know? My parents did teach the Bible, and lived it out in their lives, even though I made poor decisions at times it was that early instruction and the examples set by my parents that brought me back to living a life according to God's Word. I wonder, what would have happened to me and how much further would the effects of living as this world lives affected my children, grandchildren if my parents were apathetic about God?
It is a big responsibility that one must take serious if love is truly love. It is my faith in a God who loved me so much that He gave instructions to this world. Instructions that would prolong our lives, and allow us to avoid much pain and heartache for ourselves and others. Consider our faith, is it in this world and its culture or is it in a Holy and loving God? A little reflection on our lives will reveal the truth. Even common sense will tell us that this world's culture leads to destruction and the principles found in the Bible are good. What could be so wrong with: "Don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, don't covet, don't kill, and to love our neighbor as ourselves? Where is the bad in those principles? Nothing!
I have as many have failed to keep God's perfect law and have no way within myself to have this debt that I owe paid. Here again our loving God and Heavenly Father steps in to rescue me and you. He sends His Son, His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, to this word, with its culture, and to live among us. He knows our every weakness, and need. He came walked this earth and did not sin, He lived out the principles set forth by His Father. Then of all things, to put an end to the problem of death that has come onto this world through the original sin of Adam He died as a perfect sinless man, the mission He came to do, upon an Old Rugged Cross and paid my debt. All I have to do is accept His sacrifice in faith. Nothing else! Then live according to His principles as evidence that I have accepted His sacrifice for my sins, my debt.
Teach your children! Study God's Word! Live it daily with the help of Holy Spirit who will help us to do so. What a Loving God, consider your faith, then live in the freedom found in His loving principles that give life.
Daily Prayer:
You are truly loving and have great patience with me. I thank You for holding onto me, drawing me back into living the way You have prescribed. May my life demonstrate that love to others for they too need what You have to offer, salvation from the eternal affect of sin. Amen
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