Common sense parenting principles that have been discarded

By: American Decency Staff

There are some common sense parenting principles that have been discarded by many. They are principles that Jan and I have followed through our parenting years over the span of 30 years.  Have they proven 100 % fruitful in our children now aged 34, 31, 29 and 20? No. Have they proven somewhat effective? Yes. I know that my two children with children of their own get it! They are exerting high standards for their children in regard to television. What are these common sense principles? (1) Not placing wicked things before our own or our children's eyes. Through most of those years we had a black and white television that we kept in a closet and only rarely brought out. (2) In later years, we had a very small color television with a VCR player.  We on a rare occasion showed a movie, but only one that was clearly honorable. We tried to both model before them and discuss with them that we are impacted by what we watch, view and listen to – fully recognizing that as they got older they would decide for themselves.  We are, after all, our own free moral agents. I recognized then and recognize more today the need  to be saved – to have the very Spirit of God living within giving us the will, the desire to increasingly love what is right and hate what is evil. "… for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. …" [Phil. 2:13] In fact, though I know there are exceptions, to overcome the toxic trash that flows across our airwaves, to be strong enough in one's own power (speaking as a male) to overcome the temptation of pornography, obscenity and indecency that so readily flows, is nearly impossible – without the inner working power of God. It sickens and saddens me to see the kinds of television programs that are running constantly across our airwaves – hour after hour.  When I think of people of all ages – but especially children – watching this filth.  What impact on these little souls when they see such illicit trash? Programs like: "Cougar Town", "Two and a Half Men", "Gossip Girl", "Eastwick", "Accidently on Purpose", "Desperate Housewives", "Grey's Anatomy", "American Dad", ….  The list goes on and on. In reading Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue",  Sarah's parents exercised such protective measures in their family.  At one point she writes that her parents made a little family room off from the house with a television.  It was  kind of cold in there and not real welcoming.  She speculated that was part of the plan. Sadly, it is a small percentage of parents that exert such a heart and soul for their children and families. Too, television is divisive within the home.  There may be mothers that hold high standards but the father sees no harm as he watches his nightly dose of trash  — often within the watching eyes of their offspring.  Less frequently it is the father who desires to hold a high standard but lacks the support of his wife. America is a nation that has been in spiritual decline for several generations.  I believe that it is at least in part due to the fact that we have allowed our airwaves to be filled with godlessness. God's word makes it very clear that He will bless those who honor Him and curse those who do not.  That certainly applied to Israel.  It's a Biblical principle that has holding for all people in all periods. It holds for America as well. You say you love the Lord yet place dirty things before your eyes.  Jesus says "Be holy for I am holy."  [I Peter 1:15-16] What do you and I do with the Scripture "Pursue peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." [Hebrews 12;14] Having two grandchildren in my home presently, I feel a great burden for them that they will come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior; that they will know Him as I do in a personal relationship; that in loving Him and experiencing His great love for them they will not want to dishonor Him. Our young ones are precious to us.  And so, we need to do our utmost to set the pace in our pursuit and example of the pursuit of holiness. To support this ministry: https://secure4.afo.net/ada/main.php?f=donate/display9 ==================================== American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org http://www.twitter.com/billwjohnson

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