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Family Values

In the United States we are in the midst of moral and spiritual crisis. This crisis is too far deep-rooted for superficial fixes.

Evidence

• Approximately every 30 seconds a marriage ends in divorce.
• Every 4th child born is to an unwed mother
• AIDS epidemic

It is now politically correct to talk about family values and getting back to them, but nobody is defining them. It seems that as long as they are being talked about everybody is happy. But, Until there is something actually done to restore family values the crisis will not be adverted.

As Christians, our family values are the Ten Commandments. {Exodus 20:1-17 } We were given the commandments to help us. Just as our children need rules and boundaries, so do we. God’s commands establishes these boundaries in order to produce strong and emotionally healthy families. We are to teach our children the commandments { Deuteronomy 6:6-7 } and remember them in our hearts.

Now you may wonder how we are to teach the commands to our children. I am glad you asked. There are five ways to teach your children.

• Be convincing. How can you expect your children to believe what you are teaching them if you don’t? You have to believe too.
• Consistency is the key. Be consistent about God. It’s an everyday affair. Not just Sunday morning.
• Get Creative. Make up games and puzzles to help in remembering Bible Verses or stories.
• Talk about God and the Bible. When situations come up hit the Word for the answer. But also bring God into all things. Even when talking about the weather. After all He created it.
• Conspicuously. Post the Word all over your house. Bible Verses about eating on the fridge, being cleaned in the bathroom, rest for the weary in the bedroom etc.. Play Christian Music that uplifts the Lord. Instead of TV get Christian Videos. Make it so that God is an everyday part of life.

Remember that all children are different. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. A Child not children. We as parents are to teach our children according to their personality. This way they get the most out of what you are teaching.

This article was inspired by the sermon Dr. Jim Chatham shared at First Baptist Church Dickson on March 18, 2001.
Copyright 2001-2004 Faith Johnson and www.ParentsForChrist.com. All rights reserved. May not be reprinted without permission.