Raising 'G' Rated Kids in an 'R' Rated World

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..
.But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

" Joshua 24:15 (NIV) Recently, I was on the coast teaching at a women's conference on the subject of raising G rated kids in an R rated world. The topic is an eye catcher and not something that is easily attained in our modern culture. Parents are longing for ways to tame the tide of influence on their young.
Being a mom myself to three bustling, growing boys, I have heard the argument many times from those who say to my husband Matt and I, "Kids have to experience 'the real world' sooner or later. Sheltering them from what's out there is just setting them up for failure. When they get out in the 'real world' they simply won't know what to do." To that I simply say, "Hogwash!" How wise would it be for me to ask my six year old to drive my car around the block, just to get used to the feel and handle of it? For certainly, someday he will be driving; and sheltering him from the real world experience now, will only inhibit and harm him in his future driving experiences.

What parent wouldn't think I was completely off my rocker if I did that?? I would be fined and possibly jailed for my neglect (and rightfully so!) Why then, do we think that it's OK for our kids to experience other scenarios before they are mature and old enough to handle them? Inappropriate movies, TV, video games, books/magazines, music and computer sites have a HUGE impact on our children and their hearts, from which all actions and attitudes derive.

I speak with parents all the time who are frustrated over the impact these have on their children. The world says it's no big deal. But God has something very different to say. In Deuteronomy 6:5-9 it says, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

" Verse 12 goes on to say, ".
..

Be careful that you do not forget the LORD.

.

.
" (Emphasis mine) Beloved, it's time for us to get serious about where and with what our kids are spending the majority of their time.

IT WILL AND DOES HAVE AN INFLUENCE, for good or for bad!! When I was a little girl, we would decorate and hide Easter eggs; yes the real kind, not plastic.
In the extreme Oklahoma weather, sometimes we were unable to hide our eggs outside.
We would take turns hiding the eggs around the house and finding them. But invariably, we would come up short in our efforts in locating all of them.
We would rack our brains trying to figure out where we had put them, but there was always a stray egg we couldn't account for. Days later the familiar pungent smell would begin to linger throughout our home. Room by room we would search to see where the smell was most present.
Usually we would find the rotting egg in some dark corner, a closet or behind an appliance in the kitchen. It was very difficult getting rid of the disgusting smell, but slowly the fumes would dissipate and our home would be back to normal.
Our hearts are like that.

What we view, listen to and invest in will permeate our thoughts, attitudes and actions. Our children are no different.
Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if ANYTHING is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

(Emphasis mine) God desires that EVERY corner of our hearts and minds belong to Him. Children are especially vulnerable to the lies of our culture.
Lies such as, showing more is better and wearing clothes with designs or words that bring attention to private body areas makes them cool and more desirable. What parent wants anyone looking at their child's butt or cleavage? But know this: when our girls wear shorts or pants that have words on the bottom, people will look. When our girls make every attempt to show that they are developing into young women, wearing their tops just as low as they possibly can, people will be looking.

As far as our boys go, what is the attraction of wearing jeans and shorts half way down their legs?? If they desire to show their undies that badly, maybe they could simply not wear pants or shorts.

Do they honestly think they look cool? What an incredible, painfully silly and embarrassing lie! What we wear can be a direct reflection of our hearts.
Proverbs 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Sadly, the incredible growth of child pornography goes hand in hand with our children's dress and what is perceived as acceptable.

Dear ones, God loves us so very much and He truly knows what is best for us and our children.

Even though we may not understand everything about Him, WE CAN FULLY TRUST HIM!! You can raise G rated kids in an R rated world. Without a doubt, it takes more time and effort to do so, but the rewards are phenomenal.
Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

A man reaps what he sows.

" What an incredible promise! Our efforts in raising our kids according to Gods design do not come back void.
You will be blessed and so will they.

Take heart and take the time. When they're grown and gone you won't regret it!