Often times we look at the culture around us as harmless. We are afraid to be “judgmental” or “label” things. We have stopped viewing it for what it is according to Scripture a wicked, pagan culture that is opposed to the things of God. Many church going kids that would surely label themselves as “Christian” are going to public school being educated by the government; they listen to the same music, and watch the same shows as the unsaved kids. They often dress according to the latest fashions and have the “in style” haircut. I talked to a barber once who was talking about how boys wearing long hair was hurting his business, then I was surprised when I heard him say, “there was a time you could count on the Christians at least but now they are all wearing long hair too.” This man that as far as I know is unsaved noted that the Christian boys are no different than the others. Parents are so set on their kids fitting in and doing all the things that the world would consider “normal kid stuff” that they never encourage them to be counter cultural. Paul said this, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world…”(Ephesians 2:2a) this is speaking of a past action not the present course of a believer.
Most parents probably assume that as long as their kids are not watching “dirty” shows on television then it’s ok. They figure if we keep them on kids networks then everything will be fine. I say this in warning, kid’s television can be fun and entertaining but it is not a safety zone by any means. I was motivated to write this after watching a movie on Disney Channel called “Lemonade Mouth.” This movie helped me to realize that parents must be ever vigilant for the minds and hearts of their kids. They cannot simply say “well it’s a kids channel so I won’t worry about it.” The movie tells the story of five high school students who meet in detention and form a band to stand up for their beliefs and to overcome their individual and collective struggles. According to reviewers it emphasizes honesty, integrity, and self-expression. This may all seem nice on the surface but there is an underlying message that cannot be missed when you watch it. The message is one of rebellion. The message is that authority figures are against you, and you must fight for your rights even to the point of disobedience to authority. It teaches that parents don’t really understand you so you have to make them understand you. It teaches that your peers are your only reliable friends and they understand you better than adults.
These are the messages that jumped out at me while watching it. Scripture teaches that authority is given by God (Romans 13:1) Parental authority, school authority, elder authority, governmental authority etc. These are all given by God and we are to submit to them regardless of them being good or evil. Disobedience is only acceptable when an authority defies God’s law. I believe in our country we have the opportunity and responsibility to speak out for our rights but this would be grown adults doing this. Children are put under their parent’s authority until they are of age and children have no right to fight authority. To teach kids that their parents don’t really understand them like their friends do is harmful to kids. Parents need to be ever vigilant for the hearts and minds of their kids. Don’t assume because it’s a kids channel that everything they show is good. Watch TV with them; guide them on what to watch. We must be careful that what we are teaching our kids is not being contradicted by the other influences in their life. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)
Written By: Richard Garland
The Gospel Beacon 