Giving Godly Values to Our Children
The teen reaches that place in life when he/she begins making decisions (perhaps unknown to a parent) which involve right and wrong. How those decisions are made are based on the system of values that child has learned and embraced. It is imperative that we understand the place and source of values on which decisions are made.
What values are directing your teens decisions?
Every teen has values. How does a teen decide what to do when making decisions? He first looks at the choices before him, checks each against his values and then acts based upon those values.
Some teens value instant gratification above all other matters. They assume that whatever feels right at the moment is what should be done. Nothing in the past or future should be considered. This value can be expressed in these words. “I have the right to be happy, so I define happiness as that which brings me joy at this moment, and this is what I will do.” This value says that nothing in life is more important than myself. My “happiness” is all that matters!
Some teens value peer pressure and social acceptance above all other matters. The importance of being accepted by others is a powerful force. It is difficult to stand firm about matters when hardly anyone else has the values a teen was taught. It is reflected in the dress, the language, the respect of authority, the honor given to teachers and parents, and in moral decisions about drinking and where to draw the line in sexual matters. Right or wrong, which might be considered at first, become secondary to being accepted by others.
Every teen has only two sources of values. The first psalm speaks of the counsel of the ungodly, the paths chosen by sinners and sharing the attitude of the scornful. The word scornful indicates those who mock, deride and treat sacred things with contempt. The other source is that which comes from godly individuals who abhor sin and have the highest regard for sacred matters. Parents, remember that if you fail to create this second category of values, the world will fill the heart and soul of your child with scorn and contempt.
Every child must have his own values. Values are far more that rules you give your child to obey. This works well when they are very young, but fails when they consider themselves as adults. Peter speaks of the reason for our hope. Teens create their own righteous values when they learn to honor and love God and to fear Him. Make sure that your child grows up realizing the evidence that God is and the proof that Jesus is His son. Teach them early the reason why Jesus is the Lord who loves us and who will judge us someday. These truths become the basis for values needed by every teen!