News headlines are the most immediate indicators of cultural
drift. While they are inconclusive in themselves, they provide insight as to
what issues make an impact on people's thinking. Headlines become the topic of
water cooler and even playground discussions. That is why it is important for
Christian parents to pay attention to headlines. Media headlines are written to
attract attention, and they do. Your children will be exposed to headlines and
sound bites because these are what people catch on the run as they rush through
their day. Children will hear people asking what
do you think you think about Tiger? And, of course, they will begin to find
out about what people think from their friends at church, at school, or in the
neighborhood. They will hear offhand comments by parents and other adults.
Based upon these seemingly random series of connections, opinions will be
formed and embraced, often without parents even being aware of the process. That
is why headlines are important for parents.
For example, this past weekend the headlines concerning
Tiger Woods' infidelities continued to dominate news headlines. Some sponsors
are ending their associations with the world's number one golfer. More women
are claiming to have been involved with Woods. The
This past weekend the headlines also praised the election of
Annise Parker as the new mayor of
From God's perspective, both Woods and Parker have chosen a
sinful path with their sexual behavior. Yet, our culture has chosen to condemn Woods
and approve of Parker. Why? Certainly, it is not because of anything that has
to do with Scripture. Culturally, we have become our own judges of what is
right and wrong. To reference God's law
in determining the appropriateness of Woods' or Parker's actions would be
viewed by the headline writers as an outrageous violation of the First Amendment
to the Constitution.
Here is the danger of children forming their views based
upon the trickle-down of headlines into daily life: actions and attitudes are right or wrong not
because society says they are, but because God says they are! God's Word
matters. The trend of the moment may favor Parker over Woods. But the truth is
that both are in need of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Both are hopelessly
lost apart from seeking forgiveness for all of their sins and coming to faith
in Christ. That is why understanding Deuteronomy 6 is so important in raising
children to honor God. Deuteronomy teaches that our children are to be taught
about God's laws at all points in their lives. Culturally, there has been a
generation-long effort to have homosexuality become accepted in our everyday
life and culture. And this campaign has been successful. A Houston Chronicle
poll found about that three-quarters of voters said Parker's sexual orientation
wasn't an issue. This represents the increasing failure of the church's mission
to be salt and light to the world.
The church will not regain the momentum lost simply by being
against homosexuality and adultery. Instead, we must be for the gospel message of Christ to a lost world. Our children must
be prepared for the subtle yet relentless attack of cultural headlines that
honor man rather than God.
Tiger Woods has at least got one thing right. Here is a
quote from his most recent statement posted on his website:
After much soul searching, I have
decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my
attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
While this is true, he will not become a better person apart
from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the message only the
church--the true church of Jesus Christ--can proclaim. Perhaps, if we pursue our
mission with courage and faith, the church will be salt and light. Perhaps one
day there will be headlines that say Tiger Woods and Annise Parker have come to
faith in Christ.
Help your children interpret the headlines from God's
perspective. Just as our culture has diluted and lost the message of Christmas,
so we have also lost the meaning of sexual purity. The solution for both issues
is the faithful proclamation of the truth of the gospel--first at home and then
to our community. The headlines will only get worse until the church embraces
her role of being salt and light.
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