Today
is Sunday May 20th and this
is Lance’s Weekly Walk! Today we’ll
begin a new series regarding the American Family and its role in developing the
next generation, but first I’ve got a couple of quick announcements for you all. If you haven’t yet, be sure to follow me
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As
I said today we will look into exactly what the American family’s role is in
shaping the next generation. Our
objective for today is to take a look at who should be the greatest influence
in a child’s life.
When
one thinks of a government, often the group that gets together in Washington,
D.C. comes to mind. However, although
the federal government may be our largest government, they are not the only
ones making the rules. Below them are
fifty state governments each with their own authorities. If one were to look even deeper, he would
notice that there are countless county and city/town governments that make
their own rules as well. But often the
most overlooked government is found right at home. Typically, they have planned meetings, but
they hold the key to America’s future.
The
home government may not take in taxes or regulate international trade, but they
do something all the more important.
They will determine where the United States will be ten, twenty, or
fifty years down the road.
Parents
have the potential to determine a child’s moral standards, values, and outlook
on life. They have an unparalleled level
of control regarding how a child is taught to speak, act, and essentially
think. If a parent condones lying,
cheating, and stealing, then the child in essence has a greater potential to
take part in these actions than a child brought up in a morally sound home
would.
Children
are also taught by their parents’ actions.
If there is disrespect and marital strife in the home, then the child
may struggle with the same issues when he is an adult. On the other hand, if a child is taught to
love the Lord, respect his wife and children, and be a good steward of money,
he is on a better path to do so when he becomes an adult himself.
Now
you may be thinking that I might be over-embellishing the role of the American
family. Well, let’s think about
this. Typically, who has the greatest
level of influence in a child’s life?
Throughout the history of our nation, parents have often held that
prestigious position.
Until
the last fifty years or so, a child went to school, but when they came home
they helped out with chores around the house/farm, ate dinner with the rest of
the family, and spent the evening at home.
Although teenagers did go out with friends, they typically spent more
time with their parents and siblings then teenagers do today.
But
in today’s day and age, the American family is spending less and less time with
one another. Along with school, the
homework schedule for kids has become more rigorous and social activities “eat
up” even more family time.
In
2003, 24% of American families reported eating dinner together three or fewer
times a week.1 When they do
eat together, who is to say that a television, iPod, or Kindle is not in front
of them. In fact, one out of every three
families eat in front of the television.2
Obviously
this has decreased the level of influence parents have in their children’s
lives. So who as a result is replacing
their influence? Now teachers, coaches,
and other adults are playing a greater role in who a child becomes as an adult.3
There
is nothing wrong with attending public school, playing sports, or being in
another social group, but when they begin to replace parents as the key
influences in the lives of children, parents have the right and the reason to
take back control.
At
the end of the day, they are your children and you are the person who has their
best interest in mind. What you say
goes, and nobody else can tell you how to raise your kids. God is the only person you are subject to,
and He has your and their best interest in mind.
A
great solution my family has to this problem, is my dad coaches my brothers’
and my sports teams and is very involved in our lives. My mother provides the support structure at
home, and she also plays a crucial role in our social activities, such as
volunteering to help as a room-parent.
Both of my parents are also involved in our church activities for AWANA,
Vacation Bible School, and Youth Group.
If you are a parent, find out how you can get involved and do it! Even if you are very busy with work, just
making the time to eat a meal with your child will have a positive impact on
them.
Proverbs
22:6 says:
“Direct
your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave
it.” (NLT)
God
has chosen you for a very important role:
to be a parent. If you are not a
parent yet or will never be, He also has an important role for you. Be a positive influence in a young person’s
life. Help parents by reinforcing godly
teachings. Remember, you can always call
upon your Heavenly Father for guidance yourself.
Thank
you for joining me again today. I hope
you have enjoyed your time here, and I invite you to join me on Lance Pisowicz
Online (www.wix.com/lancejp/online).
Also be sure to go to our online form if you wish to share your thoughts
on this show or What’s Wrong With Washington”
(www.lponline.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/).
Be sure to join me later on this week for “What’s Wrong With Washington”
and next Sunday as we cover an another great topic. Thanks again. God bless you and have a great
week!
Sources:
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