Present-day American culture is testing the emotional fiber of our children. Broken marriages, husband/wife conflicts, both parents working outside the home, TVs and videos portraying violence, sex, and crime are contributing to fear and anxiety in the lives of many children.

Social workers are busy helping individuals identify their inability to cope with the stresses and demands of life. The number of Attention Deficit Disordered (ADD) children is increasing.

Modern technology, which includes video games, camera cell phones, ipods, and computers with Internet capabilities, are having a programming effect on children’s character and values. Our world of technology has raised the stress level to Orange, and in many situations, to Red. Are there alternatives?

Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

1. We must believe that Jesus Christ alone can save us. We have the promise in Matthew 28:20 that he will be with us, even to the end of the world That means in any culture, any circumstance or situation. The Holy Ghost reaffirms this promise in Romans 8:32. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him freely give us all things?” Salvation is trusting Christ everyday in every experience, to give us victory in every conflict.
2. We must separate ourselves from those things that will eventually separate us from God and seek the fellowship and encouragement of God’s people. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus says if we cause a little child to be offended (or to stumble) it were better for us to have a millstone hung around our neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea. How many children and youth are stumbling in life because they are exposed to TV, pornography, drugs, and the like? How many are offended when they become victims of anger and abuse?
3. Every child needs to feel accepted and loved. Acceptance and love provide security and safety from fear and danger. They lay a foundation for trust in God and His sovereign care. Love is to our emotions like an anchor is to a ship. It holds us steady in the midst of turbulent waves.
4. We must prioritize on things that build character and integrity.

Contentment

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” ( Hebrews 13:5, 6).

Contentment is resignation to our status and providential circumstance. It is a willing happiness with what we have, rather than what we want. Contentment in the home provides an atmosphere of rest and gratitude. It is working diligently to provide the necessities of life — food, clothing, shelter, and at the same time recognizing the hand of God’s blessings.­ Discontent and fretting lead to emotional instability. It is failing to trust God. It is a self-destructive desire that focuses on what we don’t have, rather than being grateful for what we have. Had Eve in the Garden of Eden focused on the thousand good trees God had given them, instead of the one that was forbidden, she could have continued in her holy, happy state.

Honesty

No doubt many of us have been taught that “honesty is always the best policy.” To be honest, we must face ourselves and what we do truthfully. It is acknowledging our failures and our need for forgiveness. Honesty recognizes that we are human and imperfect. Children that hear their parents say, “I am sorry, I was wrong, I made a mistake, or I failed,” have a wonderful example of honesty. Honest confession of sin or failure brings the rest of peace and forgiveness.

Truthfulness is a way of earning future trust by accurately reporting facts and events. It is gaining approval by transparently facing issues, including one’s own personal weakness and failures. When there is a denial of personal failure, tension builds up, issues become clouded, and emotions become volatile. Be honest.

Attentiveness

Attentiveness is the trait of listening carefully to the one who is speaking. Children who are taught to pay attention learn more. Attentiveness helps us to hear more clearly what is taught and gives incentive to follow instructions.

Attentiveness helps us to be sensitive to others’ feelings and needs. Emotional stability is greatly enhanced when we become sensitive to feeling for others and hearing about their difficulties and offering help and comfort.

Parents best teach attentiveness by being sensitive to the Word of God. Reading the Bible and applying Scriptural truth to the circumstances of life is laying a good foundation for your household to find answers to the complexities of life. They too will know how to be attentive to hear the voice of God.

In I Samuel 3:1-10 we read the beautiful story of Samuel who was attentive and heard the voice of God. No doubt his parents taught him to listen and to respond promptly. He grew up to be a man of God that was greatly loved and appreciated. “The Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samule. Then Samuel andwered, Speak; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10).

(To Be Continued)

-by J. Luke Martin