My heart sometimes bleeds when I look at the plight of our society. There's such a decline in spiritual and moral values. What are we as Christian women to do? As the mother of four young children, I sometimes shudder to think of what the condition of our world will be, once they're grown and gone.
With lines constantly blurred on issues of sexuality, religion, as well as, the breakdown of the family, what will they build their faith upon?
I may not have all the answers, but I do know one thing. Our children must be able to look at our lives as an example of purity and Christ-likeness. If they can't see the love of God at work in us where else can they go? I don't allow my children to watch just any old thing . . . animated or otherwise. I feel that everything on TV is not suitable for their little eyes and ears.
You know, I'm sometimes viewed as a strict mom . . . a little prudish. Friends and family often tell me to loosen up and live a little. I hear remarks like: "Well, you can't shield them from everything." "At some point they're going to see it anyway." "You can't protect them every minute of the day."
Granted, all those things may be true. Yet, does it make sense to expose them to the filth simply because it's there? If I can shield them from foolishness and debauchery, why wouldn't I?
I believe that during their formidable years it's my duty as a godly parent to help mold them spiritually and filter out the things that compromise their purity and innocence. Then, when they are more mature, they will have a solid foundation already laid for them. As a result, when they are confronted with a secular worldview, their minds will have already been conditioned to distinguish right from wrong. That makes sense, doesn't it?
I tell parents of young children all the time, you absolutely must cover them in prayer. Furthermore, you have to be actively involved in raising them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Simply going to church on a regular basis is not good enough if you fail to regulate their environment at home.
Now, I know you can't be with your children every minute of the day. They are bound to witness some things that are contrary to your fundamental belief system. However, if you've been doing your part to make your home a place that brings glory to God, you'll find that your children will be better equipped to resist deviant philosophies and behaviors.
I want you, from this day forward, to be more involved in their lives. Don't let TV baby sit your children. Don't allow them to watch programs and movies, simply because they look innocent. Instead, you watch it first. And don't be afraid to turn the TV off . . . sometimes, right in the middle of the mess.
Monitor the advertisements. What images are they placing before your children in between programming? You think I'm being over the top? I think not. Especially not when the characters of our children’s programs later go on to be "pop stars" like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Hillary Duff . . . and such like. Need I say more?
Our children are being led down an unhealthy path. And it's taking place on our watch. If we sit idly by and let it continue happening, then shame on us. I challenge you today to look at your children’s catalogue of videos and DVD's. Ask yourself, is this suitable for my little one? If you can't readily answer yes, then get rid of it.
Your children may not like it now. But, they'll thank you for it later.
Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper.
Dianna Hobbs
