Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 What are you doing to protect your children from spiritual decay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaik76 Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Could you elaborate on this question a bit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 This is probably a question meant for Christians, LOL, but I'll answer anyway. *I* expose my children to different beliefs/ideas and try to steer them clear of religious people who want to convert them. I've not always been successful in the steering clear, and I've learned to set firmer boundaries from those experiences. :) We talk, about choices and consequences and why others may behave the way they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl in NM Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 What are you doing to protect your children from spiritual decay? As ds, 12, enters puberty I stress about staying pure. I want him to understand that he needs to stay pure in heart as well as body. I also want him to know God's word and know how to stand up for it. Ds cannot date or have a girlfriend. The only other child his age in our church is a 13 yo girl and they were sneaking around kissing. Dh and I talked to our son, the girl's parents talked to her, pastor talked to both kids together and then all 4 parents talked to the kids. We stressed that while acknowledge their feelings for one another that there behavior was inherently wrong. Pastor told them they'd be better off being friends until they were personally in a better "place" to have a committed relationship (adulthood). He still talks to this girl on the phone and internet. But they are constantly chaparoned at church and any other activities. We screen music, tv & books - we will allow some bad language if it's not the focus of the tv & book, but don't allow it in music because ds sings along with his music. We don't allow media that is disrepectful of human life or that has sex in it. We're okay with some mild nudity if it's not sexual in nature. We teach modesty, but we don't want ds to be so curious that he ends up looking porn. I don't happen to believe that porn is just part of a boy growing up. I teach ds what is right and wrong according to the Bible and expect him to live by it. I'm not legalistic, but there are some basic parameters. I expect the 10 commandments to be kept, if they are not, I expect ds to take personal responsibility. Of course, not of us are perfect, but most of the commandments are fairly easy to keep. On the other hand, I've taught ds about salvation and he knows that Jesus loves him; he just needs to ask forgiveness for his sins. Ds knows that satan is at work in our world and that there are truly evil people and that there are people who may not be evil but are used by satan to commit evil deeds. Ds knows that he must be strong and stick to what is right. I've taught ds to pray for answers and guidance, to read his Bible and to go to church. I don't believe that non-churchgoers are going to hell, but it's so much easier to deal with problems when you have a support group that has similar beliefs as yours. That's all I can think of right now. It's hard to think of answers to a quesiton like this. Of course, as I'm trying to sleep tonight much better answers will pop into my head!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 We brush twice per day and avoid sugary snacks, especially before bedtime. :D Well, I'll just second what SecularMom said. It's what we do. We're Christian, but not very involved right now, and have actually become quite disillusioned by the whole shebang. So I guess you could say we are currently in a state of "spiritual decay." At least according to some. But my daughter is kind and compassionate, respectful and tolerant. So I'd say we're doing a decent job of it. :001_smile: Astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liza Q Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Of course, not of us are perfect, but most of the commandments are fairly easy to keep. I don't find them easy to keep.....so I teach my children (and remind myself!) that His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl in NM Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 I don't find them easy to keep.....so I teach my children (and remind myself!) that His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness. That's great. I need to focus more on mercy! I was raised with none. Now that I think more carefully about it, I guess I have trouble with 3 or 4 on a regular basis.:glare: Although, I strive to be better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Our lives are lived to the glory of God. Everything we do, whether it is doing chores or lessons or practicing piano, to how we treat each other is done to the glory of God. Are we always successful? Of course not. But it is our life's purpose. If my children are arguing or whining, etc., the question we pose to them is "Is your behavior right now glorifying to God?" Because we want them to live their lives NOT to please people but to please God. We also "shelter" them from too many worldly influences. We know that what they read and watch and listen to affects them, influences them, changes them, becomes part of who they are. So we try to make sure that what we are exposing them to will help them become MORE Christ-like, NOT less. We pray together, read the Bible and talk about it in-depth, and we try to be the best example we can for them. Never underestimate the power of the enemy: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8. We pray a hedge of protection around our children and we teach them to be alert as well. Cute bible stories are nice, but the stories are not for our entertainment. They are there as a directive, a warning, and a comfort. But most of all we continually remind them that no matter how much we love them, God loves them more. We love Him because He first loved us and we teach them to see their life as a way to worship Him in thanksgiving. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Our lives are lived to the glory of God. Everything we do, whether it is doing chores or lessons or practicing piano, to how we treat each other is done to the glory of God. Are we always successful? Of course not. But it is our life's purpose. If my children are arguing or whining, etc., the question we pose to them is "Is your behavior right now glorifying to God?" Because we want them to live their lives NOT to please people but to please God. We also "shelter" them from too many worldly influences. We know that what they read and watch and listen to affects them, influences them, changes them, becomes part of who they are. So we try to make sure that what we are exposing them to will help them become MORE Christ-like, NOT less. We pray together, read the Bible and talk about it in-depth, and we try to be the best example we can for them. Never underestimate the power of the enemy: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8. We pray a hedge of protection around our children and we teach them to be alert as well. Cute bible stories are nice, but the stories are not for our entertainment. They are there as a directive, a warning, and a comfort. But most of all we continually remind them that no matter how much we love them, God loves them more. We love Him because He first loved us and we teach them to see their life as a way to worship Him in thanksgiving. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: :iagree: Well said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Is this a Christian only thread? Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
home4school Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Our lives are lived to the glory of God. Everything we do, whether it is doing chores or lessons or practicing piano, to how we treat each other is done to the glory of God. Are we always successful? Of course not. But it is our life's purpose. If my children are arguing or whining, etc., the question we pose to them is "Is your behavior right now glorifying to God?" Because we want them to live their lives NOT to please people but to please God. We also "shelter" them from too many worldly influences. We know that what they read and watch and listen to affects them, influences them, changes them, becomes part of who they are. So we try to make sure that what we are exposing them to will help them become MORE Christ-like, NOT less. We pray together, read the Bible and talk about it in-depth, and we try to be the best example we can for them. Never underestimate the power of the enemy: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8. We pray a hedge of protection around our children and we teach them to be alert as well. Cute bible stories are nice, but the stories are not for our entertainment. They are there as a directive, a warning, and a comfort. But most of all we continually remind them that no matter how much we love them, God loves them more. We love Him because He first loved us and we teach them to see their life as a way to worship Him in thanksgiving. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Thank you, Heather. I printed your post to help me get back to where I need to be. Blessings, Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Is this a Christian only thread? Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Is this a Christian only thread? Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Is this a Christian only thread? Rosie I'm sorry, but I'm :lol: at the multiples posts with this question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I'm sorry, but I'm :lol: at the multiples posts with this question. LOL! So am I. Was that an accident Rosie? I think it was meant as a question to Christians, but she didn't specify. It could be universal, rephrased as, "What are you doing to protect your children from moral decay?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Thank you, Heather. I printed your post to help me get back to where I need to be. Blessings, Kim The funny thing is...I am too. Putting it to paper helps me refocus on my own goals (it is so easy to get caught up and stray from our purpose). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted June 1, 2009 Author Share Posted June 1, 2009 No- I am not just talking to Christians, I am talking to everybody. I have many friends who are very spiritual who are not Christians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Heather, this is lovely. Our lives are lived to the glory of God. Everything we do, whether it is doing chores or lessons or practicing piano, to how we treat each other is done to the glory of God. Are we always successful? Of course not. But it is our life's purpose. If my children are arguing or whining, etc., the question we pose to them is "Is your behavior right now glorifying to God?" Because we want them to live their lives NOT to please people but to please God. We also "shelter" them from too many worldly influences. We know that what they read and watch and listen to affects them, influences them, changes them, becomes part of who they are. So we try to make sure that what we are exposing them to will help them become MORE Christ-like, NOT less. We pray together, read the Bible and talk about it in-depth, and we try to be the best example we can for them. Never underestimate the power of the enemy: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8. We pray a hedge of protection around our children and we teach them to be alert as well. Cute bible stories are nice, but the stories are not for our entertainment. They are there as a directive, a warning, and a comfort. But most of all we continually remind them that no matter how much we love them, God loves them more. We love Him because He first loved us and we teach them to see their life as a way to worship Him in thanksgiving. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 We go to Mass each week and we have started praying the Rosary together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 No- I am not just talking to Christians, I am talking to everybody. I have many friends who are very spiritual who are not Christians. My kids are too little yet, but I think my major plan of attack will be to encourage bravery. If they are brave enough to stand up for themselves and anyone else who needs it, they will be protecting themselves. Each time they can do that, they will be fortifying themselves and be that bit "tougher" next time. Current thoughts, anyway. Rosie P.S Sorry for the multiple posting! Our internet is sooo sloooow at times, it times out and I don't know if it has sent the message or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heart'sjoy Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Protecting my kids from spiritual decay starts with me. I can't count the number of times I've noticed myself not paying attention to God. But (LOL) the behavior of myself or the kids usually reminds me. I usually notice it's been a few days since I've had any time with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon H in IL Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Ugh, poor dear. Dial-up is a heavy cross to bear. [pun intended] ;) Well, spiritual formation is still in its early stages yet, the boys are only 12 and 9. But building a good foundation is the best defense, imo. Fulfilling their needs for attachment and love make them less vulnerable to bad influences. Poor choices are often made out of 1) trying to fill an empty place inside that the parents didn't fill, or 2) fear. I'm going to take Rosie's comments to heart, and be more conscious about teaching the boys moral and physical courage. The Holy Spirit will strengthen us, but we must not neglect our duty to train up the children well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heart'sjoy Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Quoting Rosie "If they are brave enough to stand up for themselves and anyone else who needs it, they will be protecting themselves. Each time they can do that, they will be fortifying themselves and be that bit "tougher" next time." I'm glad you mentioned this. I get side-tracked trying to "protect" and forget to make the most of opportunities for my kids to practice standing on their own. Reminds me of the newspaper article I read about a teenage pilot landing a "dead in the air" plane in a field. She said it was practicing this type of scenario with her instructor that helped her through the current crisis. Good thoughts, Melody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylou Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 1) we homeschool (so that we can spend more time together as a family) 2) we use the television set as a planter (13 incher, just the right size :D) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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