Throughout history we have had generations that have been known for grit, tenacity, faith, morals, and truth. It’s becoming quite apparent that things aren’t the same anymore. We are raising a new generation by over protecting them, and instilling fear into everything we do and say. It might not be that easy to see, but I am guilty of it myself. We tell our children to not talk to strangers, don’t play on the sidewalk, and try to control every minute of their social life. If they are at home, we supervise their games and use media as a babysitter. We try to soften the hard edges of life by fighting their battles for them…and raise children who are constantly crying over hurt feelings.
So, what is it that they are learning?
Our children are learning that everyone has to be so politically correct that they can’t even have an opinion anymore…might hurt someone’s feelings. We watched a clip in class yesterday and it was concerning the word racism. We are so paranoid about being racist, that we can’t even say the word anymore…and because of that, the deeper issues concerning racism can’t be addressed honestly.
They are learning that money, status, celebrity, career, and acceptance is what matters. And political correctness…can’t forget that.
Over the last few months, yes it’s taking awhile, I have been reading “Gods at War”, by Kyle Idleman. It’s an eye opening book about our culture and the condition of the hearts you see in our modern time. He talks about all of the gods that are worshipped and what it looks like. In our culture you see the gods of food, sex, entertainment, success, achievement, money, romance, and family. Yes, even family can become a god.
The more we fear the loss of something, the more likely we are to worship it.
So, what do we worship? What are we teaching the next generation to worship? How are we teaching them to cope with the harsh realities of life? Are we showing them a good example in life choices? Do they see us totally relying on Jesus for our every need, or problem? Or do they see us pursuing the exact same things that the world is pursuing? I had to look deep down inside myself, it was not a pretty picture. There were idols that had to be removed.
I thought I’d end this ramble with a few questions you can ask yourself…(and if you are more interested in this subject, buy the book)
1. What disappoints you? Disproportionate disappointment reveals that we have placed intense hope and longing in something other than God.
2. What do you complain about the most? What we complain about reveals what really matters to us. Whining is the opposite of worship.
3. Where do you make financial sacrifices? The Bible says that where your treasure is, that is where your heart is also.
4. What worries you? Whatever it is that wakes you up at night has the potential to be an idol.
5. Where is your sanctuary? Where do you go when you are hurting? Do you go to food? The phone? Porn? Romance novels? Movies? Where we go for escape or healing says a lot about what it is that is more important than God.
1 John 5:20-21 (NLT)
“And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”