Pay Attention

Summer time vacation is quickly coming to an end. Many children are starting back to school this very week.  School is a place where our children can thrive and grow in their gifts and talents. There is so much for them to become involved in and experience. As they get older, their choices help form their opinions and mold their identities. With that being said, we must be on watch and very involved in the culture of their schools. We want their identities to be molded by their foundation in Christ and not by the double minded doctrines and perverted influences that they are exposed to. We want them to be the salt and light of the world, so we need not fear their surroundings, but we must be aware of who is influencing them. We need to be their sounding board for their questions and concerns. We must pay close attention to behavior changes and wavering attitudes. We can’t be their friends. We have to be their parents, but we must also establish a relationship of trust and respect so that they will feel free to talk to us about their issues.  We have to let them talk. We must listen, no matter how foolish it seems. We need to keep our game face on. If we respond too quickly and harshly, they will not come and tell us anything.  We can’t hide their exposure to false doctrine and perversion, it is everywhere. It starts with cartoons, commercials, television programs, movies and video games. Most of the time, it comes in the form of cuteness and appears to be innocent. All magic is witchcraft and we must teach our children the difference between magic and the miracle power of Jesus. We are entering in to a season where God is going to move powerfully in power and we must not only teach our children the difference but also prepare them for God to use them tremendously!  As they graduate into higher classes, the attack against Christianity becomes more blatant and other teachings become prominent. They are teaching Yoga in gym with all of its chantings and becoming one with the universe. Islam belief systems are being taught in readings, homosexuality is being celebrated, and witchcraft is the norm. We have to give them the truth and also show them how to find it themselves. We need to be diligent in seeking God’s word and asking for wisdom and understanding. If God is for us, then who can be against us? We win, but we have to be aware and equipped for the battle!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5(NKJV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Father, we thank You that you have given us Your word so that we are well equipped for every challenge before us. We thank You as we seek Your wisdom and understanding that You will freely give it to us. Forgive us for not paying attention to the influences around our children. Help us become more aware and give us strategy on how to approach every situation. Help us teach our children Your truth that they will have the mind of Christ. Show us how to fight each battle in prayer and destroy the lies of the enemy with the truth of Your word. Show us how to be approachable and attentive so our children won’t hesitate to come to us with any perversion they might encounter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!