I had been in discussion with a youth pastor who is the father of four children, two of whom have reached that age where the slightest confrontation will bring that common phrase used by teenagers, “I am 16 and old enough to live on my own”. In most cases they come back like prodigal sons or daughters, but based on recent statistics, the risk of them never coming back is increasing with each new day.
The government does not help with policies “protecting” the children, and some countries like the US actually give them the right to divorce their parents. As we say in Nigeria, “God forbid bad thing!”
The youth pastor raised a very important point about the youths of today
– there is so much anger and rebellion inside their spirit that as parents we need to ask ourselves where it all comes from. The Bible in Colossians 3 v 21 gives us one of the reasons:
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
To be frank, many parents do not sit down to listen and understand their children. The society in which we find ourselves raising our kids has changed dramatically. It has become the norm for kids to carry contraceptives, mobile phones and even knives to school. This puts a lot of pressure on them, and leads to confusion over whether to follow Christ, or the world. Instead of constantly forcing a “Do not spare the rod” theology down their throats, we should offer them love and understanding.
Children grow up so fast nowadays, that by the time they reach their teenage years they want to bond with their friends more than their family. Love, understand and enjoy your children before it is too late.
I am not advocating not disciplining your children, but try to listen and understand what they have to go through on a daily basis.
Shalom – Love Never Fails
©Insight for the Day 2014
Insight for the Day 