Once upon a time, our President, Congressmen, CEO’s, teachers and preachers were children. During the first 13 years of their lives the foundation upon which every decision they make today was laid. Their moral compass was established and their view of the world and of God was formed. Research confirms that the decisions they make, for good or for ill, are a direct result of the training and teaching they received before their 14th birthday.
My generation was among the first to be indoctrinated with the idea that there are no moral absolutes—that God is irrelevant and should be kept out of the public debate. We were brainwashed into believing that we can’t control our desires. So, guess what? Our desires ended up controlling us. This is the foundation many of our leaders now draw upon as they seek to shape my children’s future.
I know it’s not very encouraging, but there is hope!
You see, once upon a time, leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King were children. The decisions they made came from a foundation that was laid before their 14thbirthday—a foundation built on the understanding and belief in who God is and why it matters.
If politicians really want to save our children’s future, they’ll fight to save our freedom to talk about God, pray to God, and bring our God-given moral compasses into ALL aspects of the public debate. Once upon a time we called that freedom of speech.
As you and I fight the escalating debt and give our life’s blood to reign in the moral depravity that darkens our great country, let’s also be diligent to lay a foundation for our children that will not fail them, no matter what the debt is. Their view of God influences every decision they make. As Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”
Brad and I did a podcast this week discussing “The Two Things Your Kids Need This Fall”. They need you to teach them who God really is and why it matters. It’s your most important job. Secondly, they need you to have at least 3-5 family meals each week. Listen to the podcast to find out why. It may surprise you!
I know there are lots of reasons why those two action points are challenging. I must tell you, however, I have yet to hear a challenge that can’t be overcome with a little creativity and commitment. And your kids are worth the effort.
We are here to help you! BrightMedia.org has a section devoted to helping you teach the kids you love who God is and why it matters. Click on the DG4Kids tab. We have family Bible Times covering 13 of God’s attributes, family activities, and much more! If you sign up for our weekly eNewsletter at BrightMedia.org we will send you Table Talk Questions each week you can use to have conversations around the table that weave God into everyday life.
Finally, Brad and I wrote a fun family devotion, Because God is Awesome!, to use with the kids you love to help teach them who God is and why it matters. It’s simple, engaging and your kids will love it!
I hope you’ll use these resources with the kids you love. But whether you do or not, I implore you, teach them who God really is and why it matters before their 14th birthday. Their “Once upon a Time” is today.
Kathy Bright
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