Archive | March 2012

Stop Playing the Blame Game

Mar30

Question:  How do I get my child to stop blaming others for his bad behavior and take responsibility for his actions?

Answer:  Many times, children first learn how to avoid taking responsibility for their actions from their parents.  For example, they may hear their parents blaming the rainy weather as being the reason they couldn’t get to church that Sunday.  However, the children see these same parents going to their jobs, driving to shop at the mall, or getting to their favorite game at the local sports arena all during rainy weather.   Plus, through the media, children can see popular television stars, musicians, politicians, and athletes  regularly blaming others when they are caught doing the wrong thing  or getting into legal trouble.  These famous figures fail to take personal responsibility for their actions.  Sometimes, after behaving this way, they become even more popular.  What lessons do you expect children to learn from witnessing these adults playing the blame game?

As Christians, we should care about the words we say to others.  Proverbs 8:8 says that all the words of our mouths are to be with righteousness…  With nothing crooked or perverse in them.  Exodus 20:16 says that we should not bear false witness.  In other words, we should not lie.  Blaming other things for our bad behavior when we know in our hearts it’s really our own fault is wrong.  We are not being truthful.  We are telling a lie.

Therefore, teach your children that it is a sin to lie.  Let them know that in your household, you will strive to do what is pleasing to God.  We do not please God when we do what His Holy Word says is sin.  Teach your children that we are to pray to the Lord for forgiveness of all of our sins…including when we sin by playing the blame game.  God hears our prayers, and He will forgive us our sins. Be their best role-model by accepting responsiblity for your actions!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family          www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   www.cbn.com

World Magazine                 www.worldmag.com

A Family Needs a Firm Foundation

Mar22

Question:  In these challenging social times, how do I help my children be strong Christians?

Answer:  It’s true that traditional Christian values are being challenged from every direction.  If your son or daughter attends public schools or universities, they are most likely being taught to believe ideas and ways that are contrary to God’s biblical teachings…in addition to the regular reading, writing, and math.  Most parents are not aware of this.  That’s why parents need to be very active in keeping up with what’s going on in their child’s school.  However, the bottom line is that parents cannot be with their child every minute.  Therefore, it becomes even more important that parents are teaching their children from a very early age what exactly their family believes.  Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  This training will be their firm foundation.

Sadly, too many Christians today don’t even know themselves what God teaches us in His Word-The Holy Bible.  As Christians, we need to read and study the Bible for ourselves.  Plus, it is extremely important to attend a true Bible believing, Bible teaching church.  Be aware that many places call themselves a church, but they don’t even teach that the Bible is true.  If you are in a church like this, you and your family need to leave NOW!  Learn God’s Word!  Being strong in the Lord starts with you and your children understanding that we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, is that Savior.  Once we ask Jesus to forgive us our sins, repent, and accept Him as our Savior, we can go on to grow in our faith in the Lord!  Know that we cannot strive in this world by our own strength.  God gives us His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us through this life…until we die from this world, and move on to eternal life in Heaven!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family          www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries  www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network  www.cbn.com

World Magazine          www.worldmag.com