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The Bible Says
After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said: “Let me see if I’ve got this right . . . You want me to go into that room with all those kids, and fill every waking moment with a love for learning. And I’m supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor T-shirt messages and dress habits. “You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self-esteem. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job. “I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of anti-social behavior, make sure all students pass the mandatory state exams, even those who don’t come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments. Plus, I am to make sure that all the students with handicaps get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter and report card. All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a big smile AND on a salary that qualifies my family for food stamps! “You want me to do all of this and yet you expect me . . . NOT TO PRAY ? ? ?”
--The Bible Friend, July-August 2005 Almost all parents do their level best for their kids, but they don’t always use the best methods to accomplish the desired goal. Some have problems in their own lives and they don’t want their kids to make the same mistakes. One big problem is that our kids are inclined to reflect the weaknesses of one, or both, of their parents. Honest, devoted parents often use the wrong approach. Instead of kind and loving persuasion, they issue harsh demands. Like everyone else, young people want to be treated with respect. It is so much easier to do something for someone because we love them, than to do it because they demand it. It takes a lot of patience on the part of both parents and children to overlook faults and demonstrate love and understanding. To the youth God says: “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise.” (Ephesians 6:1-3).
In the same passage of Scripture God says to the parents:
From the day that precious little bundle arrives in your home, ‘till the day he marries and launches his career; you are being carefully observed. You will influence your child to achieve his very best potential, or you will contribute to his ultimate defeat and utter ruin.
After a long public ministry, Billy Graham has compiled a study Bible that includes 50 of the most frequently asked questions; all of which he attempts to answer briefly, from the Bible. Number 45 in that list, reads: “My parents treat me like a child. Why can’t they give me more freedom?” Answer:
Growing up is a difficult period of adjustment for both you and your parents. Your desire to become more independent is natural, but God has given your parents the role to protect and care for you. As you follow the Bible’s advice to obey your parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20) and as you act responsibly, you show that you are ready for increased freedom. -- Billy Graham Training Center Bible, p.1214-1215 |