The truth about living as a Christian.
As Jesus left the temple and was walking away, his disciples came up to him to point out to him the temple buildings. But he said to them, "You see all these things, don’t you? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another that will not be torn down." While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will these things take place, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered them, "See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name and say, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will deceive many people. You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See to it that you are not alarmed. These things must take place, but the end hasn’t come yet. For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are only the beginning of the birth pains." "Then they will hand you over to suffering and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations because of my name. Then many people will fall by the way and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people, and because lawlessness will increase, the love of many people will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
(Mat 24:1-14 ISV) (emphasis added)i
It always amazes me that all these studious Christians with degrees in Biblical Studies and leadership positions in any given church cannot remember what the Bible says about living as a Christian. I have turned off the ‘Christian’ programming because the constant message of the glorious feel good trouble free live does not match with what I read in the Holy Bible. The Bible is specific with words right from the mouth of Jesus as spoken while He was with us on earth. While being born again and following the way of Jesus and the laws of The Creator will bring about peace of mind and peace in your heart and soul, it will not change the way the world acts towards you except to make it worse. When we are ‘born again’ and give ourselves back to the Heavenly Father we cease being apart of this world. Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed of this world.
Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect.
(Rom 12:2 ISV)1
We are to be transformed into children of the Heavenly Father. The fighting and bickering of this world is of no concern for us any longer.
The rules and laws of men will come and go just as the leaders that create and re-create them. One thing is the same and consistent, the Heavenly Father, our Creator and His plan for our salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Because of this, the persecution of His children, the ones who follow the Christ is on going and ever present. For many years the Christians in the United States of America enjoyed the comfort of living in a nation created by Christians using the foundation of Judeo-Christian values. As anyone who has been paying attention to life in America can tell the persecution of Christians and their way of life is catching up.
I am sure that those who read this are familiar with the messengers who put out the message of hope and happiness or of the rosy life with the Father. What they don’t say or prepare anyone for is the immediate onslaught of persecution from worldly forces backed by the evil one. This is a disservice to the new Christian as they are not ready to take this persecution on alone. Because of this many leave and return to the world. Ever wonder how cults retain membership? It is because they remove their followers from society. Christians should not be treated this way but they should be instructed on how to recognize and deal with the persecution and where to seek help when needed. Through out Jesus’ ministry on earth He prepared His Disciples for what was to come. Jesus imparted on His followers what was to come for all who followed Him. Like many following Him today, they do not wish to believe the bad things that can happen to them simply for doing what their hearts tell them is right. Believers seem to want to fool themselves that everything changes back to the way it was in the Garden of Eden before sin was introduced to man and the first bad decision was made. In reality this does not happen and the disillusioned stand wondering why or just return to their prior lives in sin. In Matthew 24:12 Jesus says that because of the persecution many will have the love from knowing Him grow cold.
And because wrongdoing will be increased, the love of most people will become cold.
(Mat 24:12 BBE)ii
This means that people will turn away from salvation because of the persecution. Why does not everyone turn away? Verse 13 tells us why;
“But he who goes through to the end will get salvation.” (Mat 24:13 BBE)ii
Those who stick it out and follow the Savior will receive their reward. How do we get to the end?
How, indeed, do we get to the ‘end’?
[Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' ] (Luke 13:23-25 NIV)iii
If it was going to be easy everyone would be doing it! So we know that following the Son of God is not the easy way to go. Matthew 24:9 tells us that we are sure to be persecuted because we follow Jesus. Jesus, Himself said it so we know this to be true. But wait in the book of John chapter 8 verse 12 Jesus says that He is the light of the world and whoever follows Him will never be in darkness again but have the light of life.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)iii
How can this be true if we are to be persecuted, isn’t that a pretty dark thing? Yes it is. The light of life is the light of the truth of the Heavenly Father inside you. Something that cannot be taken from you but you can give up. Belief in the promise of salvation as provided by the blood of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. To let the events of the world which are perpetrated by the agents of evil wrought with sin diminish the light of your faith and darken your heart will lead to you giving away that light of life. Hell is a real place, just as real as Heaven and earth. We do not here as much about hell as we do about heaven. This is because hell is a scary place, a place of eternal torment and pain. No one wants to hear about this! They only want to hear about good stuff! You cannot preach salvation without teaching that the alternative is hell. Do not most of us make decisions based on one option or another? How can you have anyone chose heaven honestly without telling them about the alternative? To be honest with a person you cannot do it. Jesus taught salvation by teaching what the alternative was as well, why can’t we?
i Scripture taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version®. Copyright © 1996-2008 by The ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission
ii S. H. Hooke, ed., The Basic Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments in Basic English. Cambridge: The University Press, 1949.
iii New International Version International Bible SocietyCopyright © 1973, 1978, 1984
http://www.ibs.org/
Help a hearing impaired girl get her dog back.
If you missed the October 9th, 2009 episode of ‘Rescue Ink’, this is Pinky she belongs to and assists her owner a hearing impaired girl in Ozone Park New York. Pinky was stolen in March and has yet to be located. Please help Pinky return home. Contact Rescue Ink at 516-208-7676 or info@rescueink.org with any information.
Political Correctness, A good intentioned idea gone horribly wrong.
I do not know who started it nor where it came from. The idea was to watch our words and actions so as not to offend anyone else. It has gone horribly wrong.
Would not it be wonderful to go through life and never be offended by anything that anyone ever says? Political Correctness is based on something of this idea. Watch what you say or do so as not to offend anyone and we will all get along wonderfully forever and ever. Nice idea but it will never work. Because we are human beings it is impossible to go through life with out ever saying anything that anyone is not going to find offense to. Many conscientious people are trying to live by the political correctness doctrine, watching every word, having uncomfortable conversations as they try to choose words that will not offend. These people in my opinion become very high strung in public and very bitter in private.
Political correctness itself is nothing more than a philosophy that is designed to govern the way that people talk to each other, to defuse any situation before it even begins. This “correctness” white washes all conversations and interactions among all people that are expected to follow this philosophy. The reason that it has gone horribly wrong is that while a person strains to have conversations that do not offend anyone or struggle to sanitize their lives to the standard of political correctness there are many who just sit around and watch for offenses against this philosophy. As soon as any perceived transgressions of political correctness occurs the world jumps on the offender with anger labeling that person as a racist, homophobe, sexist, or even intolerant to any other religion other than their beliefs.
I have been in contact with many people so far in my life, in many parts of this county and others. What has angered me is that there are always people who while not caring what they say to any one wait for others to commit an offense under the political correctness doctrine. In America there are people that flaunt there actions, their lifestyles in front of the world for all to see. They do this daring the world to say anything about it and as soon as anyone says anything it gets twisted into some comment against them and their lifestyle or skin color. Here is an example; a nice family is out for a nice dinner at a restaurant giving mom a night off from cooking. At the table near them a couple is engage in a open public display of sexual activity, not the full blown act of sex but just all over each other kissing, groping and other acts. The family is upset over this activity especially in front of the young children. The father complains and the restaurant management approaches the couple to ask them to stop or leave. Now if that couple are a man and a woman, some words may be exchanged but the issue will get resolved and people will move on. Now lets say that the couple is same sex. An argument will usually erupt with the couple calling the family and the restaurant staff as homophobes and discriminating against them because of their sexual preference. If we say that the couple is of another race than the the complaining family you risk it becoming a confrontation with racism as its base. While this situation originally only had to do with the actions of people in the restaurant and had nothing to do with race nor sexual preference. However, under the doctrine of political correctness this family may never say anything for fear of the results that may happen, the restaurant management will not say anything for fear of discrimination charges and the couple gets away with unacceptable behavior.
Under political correctness minority groups now have the majority over a barrel. Fading from view are the displays of faith, the holidays that people celebrate with their religion at its core. What has taken its place are displays glorifying the life styles of homosexuals, the plight of the minority races, displays of religions other than Christian or Jewish or even against religion. If anyone in the majority says anything they are assaulted by the minority for whatever the perceived offense is.
I believe that ‘political correctness’ should be scraped and thrown away with all the garbage that it creates. There is a standard of society that everyone must live by in order to maintain order within the society. If you are different from your neighbor great, no one wants to be the same as everyone else. It is not in our nature, we are each our own person. I can guarantee that I agree with things that you do not and that is fine with me. What I am suggesting is that the banner of political correctness is being used to disrupt the lives in America. With all the fights in courts and in public view taking place under the banner of political correctness the very fabric of life in America is being ripped to shreds. While life in America may have never been 100% perfect it was a lot better before the doctrine of political correctness.
The Gift of a Nation.
When Abraham walked the earth with God he was promised that his descendants would make up a great nation in land that was promised to them by God. God promised this to Abraham for his faithfulness and obedience. Both of Abraham’s offspring became the foundation for nations of people. Following a man named Moses the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son, were led to the land that was promised to them and through their obedience the nation of Israel was born.
Two hundred and thirty three years ago a new nation was formed. Among the people that came to inhabit this new land were scores of Christians that were seeking to escape persecution in their homelands. Many of the homelands hand state endorsed religions having the policy that the national religion must be followed. Many political reasons can also be sighted for the creation of this new nation but the foundation of laws were based on Christian-Judeo values and religious freedom was established. Through writings and recorded events we know that the faith of the founders played highly in their every day life. Prayer was a must at the beginning of every meeting with requests for guidance and blessings from God. By all accounts the military force formed by this fledgling nation was no match for the forces of the homeland and there was confidence that the superior forces would quickly put down the rebellion. Much like Joshua leading the nation of Israel to their promised land, the leaders of this aspiring new nation prayed and sought the blessing of God to give them this nation to save them from oppression. There are reports from numerous sources that General George Washington prayed before battles seeking the favor of the Almighty God, there is even a painting commemorating this event. Against all odds this new nation was formed and independence was gained from the former homeland. Within the last few decades their has been a push to remove the influence of God from the nation that He blessed two hundred and thirty three years ago. The misguided thoughts and beliefs of a few are letting this happen. What is the cost of removing God from the life of a nation?
After time past the people of Israel came under the influence of other nations and strayed from God and did not seek His blessings and at such times God gave the people over to their enemies. Repentance brought redemption but straying would bring punishment. After generations of this behavior the nation of Israel was routed and scattered throughout the lands. The nation of Israel did not exist from about 70 A.D. until 1948 when the nation was reformed by the international community following World War II. Almost one thousand eight hundred and eighty years without a country. What would that mean to us today? Could you imagine being just a visitor no matter where you went because you country no longer existed?
I wonder if the people of the United States of America could learn anything from the story of the nation of Israel. Could you imagine the United States ceasing to exist? Yes it can happen, anything is possible. Learn from the past. Learn what had happened to a nation that turned its back of God.
Are Christians what is wrong with Christianity?
Originally posted July 2, 2005
Are Christians what is wrong with Christianity?
July 2, 2005
Some say that before you can point fingers at others you better make sure your own backyard is clean. Well before Christians can point fingers and blame society and secular, un-Christian influence on the problems with society today they need to look into the mirror and make sure the ‘mud’ isn’t sticking to them also. The ‘Episcopal’ Church started the latest fervor with the appointment of a homosexual bishop. Now other denominations in the Christian faith are taking a look at their policy on the matter. Get real, the policy has been in writing for thousands of years – THE BIBLE. Churches are splitting on the matter. Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:25 “…A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.”(NLT) Isn’t that happening today? The Anglican church in England, part of the ‘communion’ with the US Episcopal church, is turning it’s back, closing its doors to the American and Canadian churches for a period of three years. Churches are leaving the Episcopal church in response to the appointment of a homosexual bishop.
Now the ‘United Church of God’ is supporting the unholy union of homosexuals in marriage. Jesus tells us the Biblical view of marriage; “Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and in he becomes one flesh with a woman–no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart." (Mark 10:7-9 MSG). Why are these persons that call themselves Christians turning away from the Godly, Biblical view and focusing on the ‘Worldly’ view. In the book of Genesis we are told that God flooded the world to destroy the evil that had occupied the world. God promised not to destroy the world again because of evil but when the cries of help called out to God because of the evil in Sodom and Gomorrah He destroyed them, wiped them out of existence!
Rom 1:26-32 (KJV) For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
God knows that not everyone will call to Him nor seek salvation through Jesus, as the Bible tells us those people will be give over to their own evil thoughts and desires.
As Christians we are to take the gospel to the world so that the knowledge of God’s Law and promise of Salvation are heard and known through out the world. We are not to ‘bend’ God’s Law to allow the desires of those that wish to defy God and His Law. Why do you think ‘they’ want God removed from public view, from public schools? Why do you think that ‘they’ want God’s Law hidden from public view? ‘They’ do not want the public reminder that ‘they’ have turned ‘their’ backs on God and if ‘they’ don’t see nor hear the Law then ‘they’ are not reminded that ‘they’ are dead in God’s eyes if ‘they’ do not repent.
Joshua 24:15 says it for me, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (KJV)
It is time for Christians to stop worry about what the world thinks and spend more time worry about what God thinks!!
© 2005
Christianity and the Broken Man.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
(Mat 9:10-13 ESV)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Much has been made about the invitation of President Obama to the Graduation at Notre Dame. The lightning rod issue is that the President is Pro-Choice on Abortion and advocates the resumption of infant stem cell research. A position that is against everything for which the Catholic Church stands. In actuality the opinions of the President stand in contrast to many Christians, but sadly not all. At the heart of the debate is the issue of how can anyone claiming to be a Christian advocate the termination of any life for any reason.
What I have witnessed is that many are so strongly rooted in opinion and views. This means that patient dialogue cannot be conducted without great effort. Some will not make the effort to communicate so that a person that is not in proper fear of the Lord can be brought back into relationship with the Creator. Screaming gets you nothing but more screaming. I have been saddened that Christians would rather engage in confrontation rather than counsel. The Catholic Priest leading the protests at Notre Dame this weekend giving an interview used the example of Jesus confronting the Pharisees and the Sadducees. What he failed to explain is that the Pharisees and the Sadducees were the leaders of the temple charged with the spiritual care of God’s people and they were leading the people astray, some times for personal gain. Jesus was calling them on the carpet as it were, to point out their transgressions and to correct their behavior. When Jesus was instructing His disciples or talking to tax collectors or other sinners He was instructive. He had to show them where they were wrong and how to get back on the right path. For those who are not in sync with ideas, philosophies or opinion that are in agreement with Biblical Doctrine, screaming and throwing stones is not the way to bring to light wrong behavior.
Passion is a good thing when used properly. God used His passion for His creation when He sent His only begotten son as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of men. Jesus used His passion for us when He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross. How will we use our passion? Will we use the example of Jesus as a passionate teacher or will we be the stone throwing screamer who sends women and children hiding in fear? Will your passion move you to instruct and inform? Will your passion over come you and send you to the latest protesting scream-fest? Protesting is not wrong, the manner in which it is done could be. Lets look at another example from Jesus. A prostitute was to be stoned for her sins. Jesus stands between the prostitute and the others in protest to the actions about to take place. He did not scream, He did not shout accusations. Jesus simply stated that any one whom themselves were without sin could cast the first stone. He forced them to look at themselves, Jesus directed their accusatory glare away from another and inward to their own sins. It was facing their own sins that caused them to drop the stones, turn and walk away. As children of God, and followers of the teachings of the Son of God, we do not need to change the hearts and minds of every man, woman and children, that is a task of God. We as children of God we are to spread the message of His salvation. We, in our charge to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), can show that through God’s Law we are all sinners and only through the sacrifice of Jesus can we restore our relationship with God. It is at this point the Holy Spirit will work on their hearts.
Having said this, screaming, trespassing and disrupting orderly meetings of others does not serve the purpose of Matthew 28:19. While Christians should not compromise their obedience to God we must realize that those who do not know God or do not know him completely need our help to learn and come closer to God. Pointing a finger and labeling others with accusatory, derogatory names does nothing but push people away. We must listen to the words of others in order to know where to and how to help those who need help.
We are all Children of God.
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
(Psalms 27:10 ESV)
With all that has gone on in my life, I have felt lost at times and abandoned by my parents at others. One day while reading the Bible I read the verse above and it started to ring in my heart. At one point or another my parents have turned against me for one selfish reason or another. Each time the feelings of hurt and betrayal weighed me down terribly. Then my thoughts return to this verse.
I cannot explain the feeling of comfort that this verse brings to me, knowing that my Heavenly Father is always there for me. I talk to Him and express all my hurt and He listens and then takes my pain. While there are many out there that know the type of pain that I am talking about the ideal is that of a perfect family. I am here to tell you that there is no perfect family. That only exists on TV and in the movies or books. All families have problems the problems just vary by severity.
I would like to say to all those who feel abandoned by one or both parents, or those who may have lost their parents, there is one that will always be there when needed and will never turn a back to you. God, the God of the Bible, is always there for you. He will never turn you away. Turn to Him and hand your troubles over to Him and accept His help.
Who is a Christian?
Have you ever noticed that when ever you register at some hospitals they ask your religious preferences? Those who have been in the military service have been asked the same thing. I remember all those years ago, it seems like a life time, you were asked your preference you couldn’t just say Christian if you did you were labeled Protestant. Now a days a trip through MySpace or Facebook you see people who choose to list their religious preference as “Christian-other”, what is this? For nearly two thousand years philosophies and human interpretation have fragmented the Christian faith in to several denominations. I have yet to see anyone successfully define “Christian-other”.
After reading the profiles of these people as well as their blogs that reflect their ideals and thought process I have come to the conclusion that the people that list themselves who list themselves as “Christian-other” are un-churched, unaffiliated persons that believe themselves to be Christians but have no idea what a Christian is. Many if not most of this group of people have been disillusioned with any one of if not all traditional denominations covered under the banner of Christianity. I myself have struggled with the hypocrisy and the self elevated opinions of members of traditional denominations. The hypocrisy is a constant problem and has even made it to mainstream media at times, but most if not all people have a problem with leaders of a religious group saying one thing and doing another. The problem is not just with the leaders, many of the ‘flock’ are just as hypocritical in everything that they do. From being prone to gossip to being openly judgmental of others to the point of harming lives. Turning their backs on the needy to being selective with whom their share their faith with. I am not just talking about the ‘fundamentalist’, the liberal oriented congregations are just as guilty. Elevated opinions of oneself definitely does not lend itself to the humble nature that a Christian should possess. These opinions lend one to be judgmental over others, critical of others, and as a result people new to Christianity or younger in their faith feel alienated or ostracized and fall away from the Church. The biggest complaint I hear about organized religion is the people in the church.
These people who identify themselves as ‘Christian-other’ have reinvented the Christian faith to fit what they believe Christianity to be. This is dangerous as most are not learned in the Bible and the doctrine of Christianity. They only have an idea what they want a church to be and left alone they will create their church to be what they in vision. The re-invention of Christian Doctrine to fit personal beliefs is also present with in established congregations. I have had several discussions with people that have with out knowing it re-invented Christian Doctrine to fit their own views on the world and events. Christianity has a resource to go to for answers on how God wants us to act. The Bible tells us what is acceptable to Him and what is not. It is not cryptic, it is not a secret, it is available to all in every language. The Bible, the Word of God, is available in text, digital format as well as audio and video format. God’s doctrine for His Church is not for debate and is available for each and every man and woman.
The lesson of this issue should be taken to heart by the leaders of the Christian faith. Personal interpretation of God’s word has led many astray from what God has said. This is evident with openly homosexual clergy within the Christian church as well as the acceptance of homosexual marriage. The Bible, God’s Word, is clear on these issues yet leaders and teachers in the Christian Church are silent on this issue. The silence is damaging as people interpret this silence as approval. The doctrine set forth by God needs to be taught, not the doctrine as defined by man. There is a reason that God puts forth in the Bible that leaders of the Church will be held to a higher standard. They have been chosen or have chosen to teach and spread the message of the Savior and the salvation that God has set forth for man. What will you, the leader, the teacher, the pastor, the priest, say to God when asked how well did you do your job? Was God first, or was it your own personal agenda hidden with in the Word of God? Is your message biblically correct or is it promoting political or social agendas? The Elders and Leaders of the Christian faith need to refocus on God and the message of salvation denouncing everything that is against God.
For Further reading; http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=409; http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-04-27-pew-religion-switch_N.htm?csp=34
Parental Influence
Parents, have you ever wondered just what kind of influence you are having on your children? Have you been a good parent? Will the succeed or fail because of the guidance they have been given?
Here is one that is not asked much, how will my children remember their childhood and the relationship that we had? Most parents do not ask this question as they really do not want to know the answer. As my wife and I sat for hours last night discussing the conditions of our childhood and the actions or lack there of on the part of our parents, I could not help but think that what makes two people who get married and have children care so little for the lives that they have brought into this world? Society has been growing ever more self-centered even at the cost of the children that we have been entrusted to raise, teach and care for. How many parents today that when asked do not know who the child’s friends are, what they are interested in, or even where there children are? The sad truth is that the TV family of the past, the ‘Cleavers’ family, ‘the Father’ knows best’ family, ‘the Cosby’s’, has given way to the TV family that is more like the ‘Bundy’s’ or ‘Family Guy’. More and more I see and hear about families that are falling apart because they have no bonding that brings them together. How many children do you know that are being raised by a family member other than their parents? How many children are being raised apart from any family member what so ever? Many say that this is best for the child. The problem is that in today’s ‘throw it away if you don’t want it’ society what is being thrown away is our children.
Parents today are not completely to blame. Well yes they are, but you have to think what kind of example did they have to build their parenting skills on. Who taught them to be a parent? Did you ever wonder why their are so many today abusing their children, even killing their own children? Are the roots of the problem in their own childhood? I know that in my childhood for the most part I do not remember my parents being around and if they were they were fighting, hitting the kids, or just to drunk to stand. I was finally abandoned and put out on the street. Others had childhoods where the children were a tool the parents used with in the fight to get back at each other. Sadly these children spend much of their adult lives trying to win the love of the parents that abused them as a child only to find more of the same behavior that they experienced as a child. The foundation that is made in childhood influences the rest of the life of that individual. I know people that their lives are completely messed up because of the childhood they have had. Even if anyone is successful in communicating any feelings to an abusive parent any remorse is short lived and the pattern of behavior is quickly returned to even to the point of denying the complaint of the children. I myself have more than my share of problems left over from my childhood. What is really sad is that a lot of these families are Christian families.
The book of Ephesians in the Bible gives guidance on living the Christian life but it is one of the least preached about books in the Bible as some find offense how the roles of Christian family members is discussed. However, chapter six of the book of Ephesians talks of Children and Parents. The Bible does give very useful advice, guidance on living a proper Christian life and is available to all to read. Being too lenient is just as bad as being too strict and over bearing. A proper balance can be found and the Bible is the place to find answers to problems and questions.
There is a lot of truth in the saying that children are our future. With that in mind why would anyone want to throw away their future by tossing away the ones that will be leading the government, providing health care, etc. Society is declining and it’s roots can be traced back to the home and the family unit.
