I don’t know about you, but I often feel like a fish swimming upstream. Especially when it comes to parenting.
God has so kindly given us His Word containing clear instructions about how to live. How to exist in relationship with Him. How to imitate Him, becoming like Him as we grow in our faith.
And how to teach our children these things, too.
But everything in our culture today seems in direct opposition to our God, defying His commands and mocking the very grace that gave them to us in the first place.
Is it possible in these times to raise the next generation of the Church in purity? To train them in holiness?
I’m at Intoxicated on Life today, sharing some thoughts about how to equip our sons to live for Christ in today’s culture.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Mom, can I look at this?”
In an ideal world—and perhaps even in a decent world—I would be able to rest easy in my son’s perusal of the Sports Illustrated magazine while he sat in the allergist’s waiting room, confident in the knowledge that the sports magazine contained only…well, sports.
I finally handed it to him after neatly removing—you guessed it—a full-page picture of less-than-half-dressed women.
I’m sure my experience doesn’t surprise you. Morality is rapidly declining in our culture, as evidenced by entertainment, print media, the Internet, and more.
Pornography has never been more loosely defined—nor more accessible.
Celebrities think nothing of snapping nude selfies and posting them on Twitter for all the world to see.
The commercials for most sitcoms are profane and vile. I can’t even fathom the filth contained in the actual programs.
Is it possible to raise pure-hearted sons in such a world?
By God’s grace, I do believe it’s possible. But it’s a pursuit that requires parents to be both vigilant and intentional.
Read the rest here, just a click away!
Take the Challenge!
Are you a Christian who longs for spiritual victory and wants to grow in holiness? I want to come alongside you and support you in your quest for purity. That’s why I created a FREE 21-day email challenge called Praying the Scriptures for Purity. You can get more information and sign up here.
Excellent post, Jennifer! With our second son entering the teen years, we know the need to be every vigilant. I’m leaving a comment here so you can see it. 🙂 (Coming from Grace and Truth!)
Jen
Thanks so much for reading, Jen! I agree – vigilance will be more and more crucial as our culture declines.
Love this! My son gets Sports Illustrated magazine but I always watch out for the swimsuit edition (that one goes straight to the recycle bin). He doesn’t need to see that.
Yes, I’m sure those are the worst! Thanks for stopping by, Dawn. 🙂
This is such an important topic, more important than ever. I can hardly believe some of the things we’re seeing all around us. Headed over to read the rest.
AND your new site looks wonderful! Congratulations! So pretty. 🙂
Oh, I can so identify with you, Betsy. I can’t believe how rapidly our culture is plunging into total depravity. I’m thankful for the comfort we have in knowing that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men (Daniel 4:17b). And we’re on His side! 🙂 Thank you for the kind remarks about the site. Since I’m far from a blog design expert, it was a lot of work, but I’m pleased with the result and hope the layout is more user-friendly.
Great read! My son is 27 and by the Grace of God he has a pure heart.Such an amazing adult.
I’m so glad to hear that, Patricia. Praise the Lord! Thank you for this testimony.