Our Children's Dilemma

"There are three critical enemies of God’s children—this is important to acknowledge in overseeing youth activities. First is human nature. Second is the influence of Satan and his demons. Third is the corrupt culture of the world.

The culture of the world is especially dangerous and damaging to our teens. They are swimming in it and powerfully influenced by it. It comes to them in clothing styles, attitudes, music, magazines, television, videos, and movies. They hear it on the radio, in the classroom, and in the school yard. For many of our teens this is the only culture to which they are seriously exposed. What we know from talking to them is that they do not like the effects of this culture—violence, being left out, being put down, the destruction of our environment and the lack of peace in the world. (Most of the time, they are!) On the other hand, because they are “tuned in” to the culture causing the evils they hate, they bring the culture with them into Church youth activities.(and it's no wonder)The Church seeks to present an alternative culture that will inspire our teens to reject the popular culture of the world and accept godly culture. This will not happen without the Church leadership clearly defining the difference and offering the alternative, and without parents supporting Church leadership. This involves more than attending Church or going to social activities. Our social activities are organized to give positive instruction by the Church—not the world. The guidelines and boundaries we have set are crucial elements of Church teaching. We expect Church members to become conversant with the godly guidelines and boundaries set by the Church, and to support them at Church sponsored functions."

Thanks for bringing this out. My children can relate to this. Thankfully, they are grounded, so that helped them remember all they had been taught of. I agree that parents and the church should work together in guiding them.