SHAME and AMEN!

Right now, the two words going through my head right now are - AMEN!!! and SHAME!!!

Why?

Because yesterday, I saw mothers on television debate over the upbringing of children in regards to abstinence....and the lack thereof. One group of women waved the flag of being "buddies" with their children and giving them birth control (among other things) since their children are "going to do it anyway." And many of those mothers were shocked to find how little they knew of their children's promiscuity. For that, I say SHAME! The other group of women were firm and vocal about waiting for marriage, or at least until they are older and more responsible (which, in today's society, even that is a step-up). One woman proudly said that she was raising her son to wait for his wedding day. For that, I say AMEN!!

When talking to the children themselves, one 15 year old girl had to stop and think of all the sexual partners she's had, counting them in her head, before concluding that she has had a total of eight partners! Another 14 year old girl said that everyone at school knows and talks about the sex act and thought that she might as well get it over with. How heartbreaking. To see the place we have come to, where love and intimacy and the beauty of marital lovemaking is trashed and reduced to nothing more than the usual "thing to do" once you arrive in Health class. Like getting your driver's license when you turn 16, it is just the average act of teenagers.

Do Christians have any idea of the epidemic we have??

Furthermore, do we do anything about it?

Being raised in a home where abstinence and chastity were taught, I learned quite a few things about purity and honor. Such as:

• Purity and abstinence education and commitments should be more than just a list of rules.
• You should saturate your children in what the Bible has to say about chastity and abstaining from immoral conduct. (Matthew 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:22b, 2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Peter 2:11)
• God's way should be taught as the beautiful, worthwhile thing that it is.
• You teach by example.

I think it is wonderful when parents desire to be close to their children, but there is a fine line between a close parent and confidant and a "buddy." A parent should set the tone of the household, the rules of the household, and lead by example. They should spend time with their children, teaching them, loving them, learning them, and inspiring them. A buddy is no more than an older version of their school and play mates. That is quite a difference. My heart breaks for the children. But in reality, I am more burdened over the parents, who literally have no clue. Instead of having such low expectations for their children, they should be raising the bar, setting high standards, inspiring them, and showing them that there is a greater life and purpose for them in the eyes of God.

SHAME to those who refuse God's way and will not heed His voice. AMEN to those who "ask for the old path, wherewith is the good way." (Jeremiah 6:16)

Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."