Who are our Children's Greatest Influencers?

Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Walk with the wise and become wise;

associate with fools and get in trouble.

Hope you had a great weekend! If you are just joining us, today's post is a continuation of the series: "Are we giving our children to the devil?"

I was horrified at the news a few weeks ago of the alcohol, drugs, sex and sexting culture at the Christian school my children attend. This revelation has broken my heart. As a result, a passion has grown within me to parent smarter and wiser.

So as parents, what can we do to fight against the tide of depravity and immorality our society advocates?

God has blessed me with the friendships of many wise women. Some of which are older than me and have successfully navigated these waters. What are their secrets? I started last week's post with their advice. This week, I'll continue.

Today's thoughts come from Suzi. Suzi is a mighty woman of God. God strategically allowed me to be her neighbor for 8 years. I have learned and continue to learn so much from her. I'm so thankful for her counsel. As you read her advice, read slowly. She's someone who packs a lot into one sentence. As I did last week, I'll break this into bite-sized chunks. Take time to digest it - it's good stuff. (Her words are purple; mine are black.)

Suzi's advice:
There are lots of depressing statistics in the news about children, even Christian children involved in alcohol, drugs, sex, sexting, bullying and more. As frightening as this is to hear, be encouraged. God knew all about these problems and has provided wise and loving counselors for each of your children: YOU and your HUSBAND!

In the book, But You Don't Understand, Paul Borthwick, a successful Youth Pastor of a large church says he has observed that the greatest influence on young people is not the media, or their peers, or their hormones, but their parents! We are the ones that make the greatest long-term difference in the life of a child.

I don't have to tell you how smart your children are. They are watching everything you do and

say. If the way we live does not line up with what we are telling them, they know it and will stop listening to us. They'll begin to tune us out. We must commit to "walk the talk." The child who sees their parents living as people of:
honesty and integrity

of faith and character

will be more likely to give them their trust, respect and listening ear. Authentic character counts with our kids - especially our teens.

So when you go out to dinner, do you lie about your child's age in order to receive the discount?

Do they see prayer, Bible reading, and serving as a priority in your life? (Be careful of thinking that the "serving" part - counts for the prayer and Bible reading part - it doesn't. It's all equally important.) As you watch the news and live life - do you allow it to be seen through what the Bible says on that particular issue?

Suzi continues, how do we have success in our parenting role? It begins with our own relationship with Jesus. John 15:5 says, "Abide in Me and I in you and you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me, you can do nothing." In other words, if we want to bear the fruit of righteous children, it begins with OUR abiding relationship with Christ.

So what is our nugget for today? We, as moms and dads are our children's greatest influencers. If we want our children to have a God-centered view of the world and it's choices, they have to see it modeled in their home on a regular basis. If God's Word, prayer and service are our priorities, it's much more likely that they will be our child's priority as well.

More tomorrow!