Who's raising our children?

     Ephesians 5:14-17  Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise fromthe dead, and Christ will give you light.  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

     I understand that this topic may get very little traction in most circles, but in others it may cause some feathers to be ruffled; but its extreme importance drives me to speak. This article is not meant to be judgmental or challenging to your motives, but an honest attempt to bring to light something that is very puzzling, which I believe is also one cause of the destruction of our homes.

     I believe that mose would agree that the days we are living in are evil.  We are surrounded by immoral behavior like promiscuity, violence, drugs and foul language.  It is in such a time that God's Word commands us to walk as wise people, redeeming the time.  So, are we redeeming the time when it comes to our children?  Are we the ones raising them, or is it our society?

     Let me give you a run-down of what a life (birth-18) could look like in today's society.  This is not meant to be scientific or perfectly applicable to every situation, but I believe many will be able to relate in some fashion.  Baby is born, babysitter is sought after.  Once one is found, baby spends roughly 8 hours a day there.  Baby grows up and enters daycare and then preschool, all the while, probably spending more time with kids who act contrary to your standards than with you.  Then, baby turns into a child and enters school.  For the next 12 years your child spends 7-8 hours in school, possibly 1-2 hours involved in some extracurricular activity, 2-3 hours hanging out with friends, playing video games, watching TV or doing homework(probably not).  Mix in an hour for breakfast and supper, which may be done as a family, or maybe not, and 8 hours for sleep and you have your day.  Now fast forward to the age of 16.  You begin to notice that your once very respectful, obedient child doesn't seem to be so respectful and obedient.  Traits begin to arise that you had not seen before.  The battle has begun, and you begin to ask yourself, "Where did they learn this behavior?"

     Let me be clear, our children are always learning.  The question is, who will be there teacher?  Will society through teachers, friends, coaches, TV, movies and music, or will it be you?  As parents, especially fathers, we have been given a huge responsibility.  God's Word makes it clear that it is our duty to train up our children in the Word (and this does not mean merely taking them to church.)  In Deuteronomy 6 Moses is clear, in that our training happens all the time (when you sit in your house, when taking a walk, when you wake up and when you go to sleep.)

     Parents, are you redeeming the time with your children?  Are you using the precious commodity, that the world wants, to teach your children how to live?  My hope is that you are.  By doing so, I truly believe that you show that you understand and practice the will of the Lord.

     May God bless and protect your children from the schemings of the devil as you safeguard them from the one who desires to steal, kill and destroy them.