America is in the midst of a raging culture war. It may appear that this war is about the beliefs of a family that makes duck calls for a living. However, there is a larger issue at stake. The real issue is about America’s disregard for God and his Word. As a country, we have attempted to recast God into our image. This is what you must discuss with your children. Here are three foundational principles that your children need if they are to survive the rapidly growing cultural conflict.
The first principle is that biblical truth is timeless.
One comment often heard is that biblical truth is outdated. This is the year 2013 after all. No one thinks that way anymore. This how our culture recasts God and his truth to suit its own lusts. The idea is that truth can become outdated and out of touch. This is a lie! God’s truth is timeless. Claiming that truth changes with time, that is, that truth is relative to a time and place, is direct attack upon the Lord of the Universe.
The second principle is that truth is not determined by public debate.
Debates about what people may think about a particular belief or behavior can be quite dramatic and polarizing. In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you believe one side or the other in the cultural debate. What matters is what does God have to say about the issue. This it the reality that you must help your children to grasp. Here is why.
When a heated topic is discussed, the important question is whether or not God’s truth is being followed or ignored. It really does’t matter what I think, or a media personality thinks, or what a political activist proclaims. What matters is what does God say about the issue at hand.
The third principle is that clarity of thought is impossible without God’s word.
A moral black hole of confusion is formed by trying to decide which side has the more appealing argument. The debate will continue based upon how well the case is presented. The more persuasive speaker wins the day. But this victory is momentary until the other side finds an even more effective presentation. Ephesians 4 describes this as being tossed back and forth by the schemes of cunning and crafty people. Achieving clarity and stability apart from Scripture is a myth.
The ultimate truth is that God is not a God to be mocked or ignored. Whether the culture warriors like it or not, God is the one to be reckoned with. This brings us to the real issue that is facing America. Doug Wilson’s observation could not be more on target:
“In short, America must return to Jesus. It is not complicated.”
15 thoughts on “Talking to Your Children about Ducks”
All the way back to the days of Paul, scholars loved to debate every issue and new doctrine that crossed their minds…God was God then, now, and always will be…we have to focus on The Word and it’s truth! I appreciate your straightforward approach and pray that parents everywhere will take heed! May God bless!
Well said!
Amen!
“This how our culture recasts God and his truth to suit its own lusts.” How very true…
So true!!!!!!!!
I have many times told my children and others that Satan is the author of confusion and if the question is confusing then it isn’t from God. So goes the debate in our world today it is confusing therefore I need to retire to seek the one who is not confused, God for the answer to ALL questions.
This and Awesome lesson to assist in teaching our children.
“I Am, the same, Yesterday, Today and Forever”.
Buying something of the Duck Dynasty material is a very good example to children and adults. You will teach them to stand up, not just for our brothers and sisters in the Lord, but for the Lord Most High’s Words. Even though, some of the words were blatant, you can leave those words out. But we will stand with our wounded. The Lord allowed the Duck Dynasty to prosper for a very good reason, and we will shortly find out just what it is. Hold on to your hats people.
Profound. Discussing to scoffers is like spitting into a fan. Thank you for writing this. I needed the perspective.
Fantastic article!
This is wonderful. Thank you for speaking Truth! 🙂
A fantastic article. I would only remind everybody that there is one very essential element that has to accompany the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit birthed them and we need the Holy Spirit to birth them correctly within us. I went down a very dark path of cultism for a season because I thought I could simply out-debate others with the scriptures. I had no need for the Holy Spirit because I knew the words. I was wrong. So very wrong. So let us cry out to the Holy Spirit to open our understanding to the Holy Spirit’s intent in regard to His Word. Colossians 1:9 Big big blessings to all of you guys!
Thank You! God Bless!
The problem with today’s scholars is that most of them have been indoctrinated by liberal educational intellectuals [most of whom either have Ivy League degrees or degrees from
liberal west coast schools]. Our CREATOR GOD also created intelligence and HE hasn’t changed [but the liberal intellectuals change almost daily].
Wow. I thought I was going nuts at Christmas when the three other guests argued the first point through the whole debate. Thank you for confirming that God’s word is forever. I was beginning to think I was the minority. God bless you.