Exodus 12:1-28
How can we create a home where our families will be safe from the destructive influences of this ridiculous R-rated world around us?
How can we keep the world's influences out of our homes?
Let me ask you a question: How do we deal with any other potential "intruder" in our homes? We close the door AND we lock it. Right? Hey, can I just tell ya something parents? WE are the ones with the keys to the house! We need to be "Gatekeepers" in our homes...physical AND spiritual GATEKEEPERS!
Parents, God is relying on us to make sure the destructiveness of the world around us DOES NOT GET THROUGH THAT FRONT DOOR! You know what I'm talking about. I'm talking about all the TV shows, movies, books, magazines, games, etc. which teach lessons and a morality that we don't want our families to learn. I'm talking about those certain types of so-called "friends" that our kids ought not associate with.
We have always taught our kids that it's one thing to hang out with the wrong crowd for the sole purpose of leading them to Jesus. It's another altogether to just "hang out" with no agenda for influencing their lives.
Listen, we all know this fact: Alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, etc. absolutely COULD and all indications and odds are WOULD destroy our children's lives.
Why would I want those things in my home?
Why would I want anything like that... with that kind of potential around my family?
We've got to make up our minds that anything which would or could hurt our family will NOT be allowed through that front door... or the back door... or through an open window!
"Psst! We've created these "mature" movies, etc. for YOUR benefit."
"You're a grown up... you can handle it."
"You're a grown up... you can handle it."
What they are really saying is:
"It's ok to watch "mature" programs when your kids leave the room."
But, you see, they're trying to convince us that what we watch and what we allow into our homes and into our hearts will not influence or affect our children. But, my friends, I am here to tell you THAT is NOT true!
Hey, can I just tell ya something? Kids may not LISTEN to the adults in their lives... BUT, they never fail to IMITATE the adults in their lives!
This system of labeling a product's maturity level we buy into and appreciate has a negative side to it. We give our children the impression that certain kinds of TV shows, movies, activities, beverages, behavior, etc. are only for grownups. Translation: It's what "mature" people do. Well, what kid doesn't want to convince the rest of the world how "mature" they are? Kids want to look mature and to be like grown ups.
It also leaves the door unlocked for the world to just coming marching right in the front door. So much for being "gatekeepers"...
By the way, that's one reason the "Feast of Unleavened Bread" wasn't just for the children. It was for all ages. God taught them to remove the leavening from their homes completely!
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?"
1 Corinthians 5:6
It starts with one wrong choice. Then the door is open. Sin waltzes right into our homes. And, it can affect everyone we love. In spite of our best efforts, some of the world's r-rated influence can make it's way into our homes over time. Every once in a while, we need to look our homes over and ask ourselves:
Would that magazine subscription please God?
Do those books bless or hinder my walk with God?
Do those TV shows we watch bless or hinder my family's faith?
This entry is taken from my notes for the sermon: "Gatekeepers". Click the link to listen to the entire sermon. This is the fourth sermon in a series. The entire sermon series audio is available here:
No comments:
Post a Comment