Valentina
Christian values and morals are almost disappearing from the younger generation these days. Children are self-centered and self-obsessed. They are aggressive, impatient, and short-tempered. They are opinionated and argumentative about everything. Being polite and humble seems to be a very “uncool” thing. It is a cynical generation that does not want to conform just because they are told to. As a result, it has been difficult to communicate biblical values to children because they seem unreceptive. Can we change this?
It is true that children face a lot of pressure in their growing years. All of us who have gone past those years have seen it, faced it, and overcome it. Be it during childhood, adolescence, pre-teen or teen years, or young adulthood, life may seem demanding for these kids. Not just physical changes, they are going through emotional and mental changes too. Our concern does not end with the physical, emotional, and mental health of our children. We need to be concerned about their spiritual health too. Instilling Bible truths to our next generation is our ulterior goal.
Most times, as parents, we do not understand what they go through. We carry this notion that there is nothing new they are facing that we have not seen in our growing up years. We behave like we have all the answers. But the sad truth is we do not. Every generation is different and comes with its challenges. Some of the most common reasons children behave the way they do are:
1. Peer pressure
While peer pressure can influence a child for a good reason, it can also pressurize a child to make wrong choices unknowingly or against his or her will or values. This may lead to change in behaviors, attitudes, and habits.
2. Difficult to say ‘no’
Children these days either do not care that they are doing wrong or do not know that they are wrong at all. Even if they do, they may not want to stand out and be different. Being assertive for the right reasons and saying ‘no’ is the hardest. Peer pressure is one reason it is difficult to say ‘no.’
3. The need to fit in
Children, especially teens go through a phase of finding themselves. They would be ready to go any mile to be accepted. They feel the immense pressure to fit it. They do not want to be left out.
4. Social media
Social media came across as a useful tool for communication, awareness, and sharing. But for the youth of today, it has rather been a harmful tool instead. They spend a lot of their precious time on the various social media platforms available. Aimlessly scrolling through the random, unending data feed, peeking into someone’s posts, or fantasizing about celebrities and their lives. This has been the current trend and they are easily misled into believing what they see.
5. Sin normalized
TV shows, media, movies, and social media have normalized sinful practices, which are an abomination to God. Materialism, murder, revenge, and hatred are some of the common narratives of movies. Christian values regarding family and marriage are under attack. Nudity, same-sex marriage, gender fluidity, etc. have become a common theme in movies and shows these days. Teenagers and youngsters have been heavily exposed to these that they believe are normal and right.
6. Dangerous freedom
Children of this generation demand their space and freedom and do not hesitate to fight back if their freedom is compromised. Even in church, if their freedom is curtailed in any way, they may rebel. They seek privacy and do not like interference. They begin to disrespect authority and disregard parents. Too much freedom is dangerous for children.
7. Information overload
The current generation is tech-savvy. They have gadgets and the internet at their fingertips. Thanks to the recent pandemic, children were left with little or no supervision. They have immediate access to information that their minds are not ready for.
8. Not ready for correction
Children and teens reject correction. They become defensive of their actions and behaviors. When children refuse to listen, we often feel disrespected. As a result, we tend to get critical and judgmental.
9. Multi-religious and multi-faith
When Christian children are in a group with children of other religions or faith, they may want to display secular attitude and not want to display Christian values.
Raising a godly generation
How can we help children when they face these challenges? How can we teach them Christian values? How can we raise a godly generation?
· Let the children know that they are loved and appreciated. Unlike older generations, we need to be explicitly verbal in expressing our love. Spending quality time with our children is also essential. Else they start looking for “love” in the wrong place.
· Give ear to them when they express themselves or their problems and try not to be judgmental. Pray with them. Pray for them. Show your dependence on God.
· Be patient and compassionate. We need to be understanding about their physical and emotional changes.
· Help children understand their value in Christ, that they do not need the validation and approval of others. Remind them repeatedly how precious they are in God’s eyes.
· Pray without ceasing. Pray that God will give them the right friends. Pray that they do not fall into temptations. Pray that they “flee” from youthful lust.
· Restrict gadgets with monitored screentime. Encourage them to read the Bible and memorize Bible verses instead. The Word of God will begin working in their lives.
· Point them to God in all that you say or do. Better than preaching is being an example in right living.
· Teach the children to say ‘no’ to things that are against the will of God. It takes courage and God’s grace to refuse to conform to the ways of the world.
· Mentor them and monitor them. They need constant guidance to help them discern right from wrong.
Our goal as parents is to raise a godly generation. A generation that does not view happiness, success, and blessings in terms of money, fame, and career, but looking to love God and please Him in all things and all times. Deuteronomy 6:7 says, “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Teach them how to live in the world but not of the world.
The Word of God is living and is for all generations. The Bible had answers to people back then. The same Bible has all the answers to people even now. The scriptures are written in such a way that they can impact every generation. Point children to the Bible. Teach them to talk to God. And He will do the ‘talking.’
(Ms. Valentina is a mother of boys of ten and twelve years. Formerly worked as an instructional designer. A school-teacher, writer, and blogger. Impacting the little lives of primary children as a teacher in a little way through the love of God. )
