MIRACLE MAKER PLANNER

Children today enjoy many privileges. Parents dress them in high-end clothing and invest in private education, from arts to physical activities, sometimes to the point of exertion. Trips to museums and international travel are common, in the belief that these experiences foster healthy self-esteem. There’s a widespread belief that providing a child with quality education and a diverse array of experiences will pave the way for success in society.

However, amidst these efforts, troubling news stories surface – a professor murdering their parents, a boy assaulting a neighbor girl. The nation of Korea, among the wealthiest globally, grapples with an alarming suicide rate that stands at 2.2 times higher than the OECD average, and its lowest youth happiness index among OECD countries pose questions. Despite parents’ devoted efforts, the underlying issues leading to these problems remain unclear.

What’s Really Happening in My Children’s Schools?

From middle school onward, our children encounter explicit sexual expressions that even adults find uncomfortable to discuss. Nowadays, children start dating at a young age, and these friendships often escalate into sexual relationships with ease. Additionally, it’s common to find students using marijuana or vaping in school bathrooms. 

My daughter, who was in middle school, said: “Mom, at school, the boys in my class asked me whether I preferred oral sex or anal sex.” My eyes widened in shock, and I asked, “So what was your response?” “Calm down,” she said.

In high school, one of my eldest son’s closest friends was a Southeast Asian honor student who dated a Korean girl and knew a few words in Korean. Oddly enough, he once mentioned something like “Suck OOOOOO,” and I’m not sure where he picked that up.

While strolling through downtown Seattle, there were times we encountered peculiar smells along the streets, reminiscent of a skunk’s odor. I wondered aloud, “Wait, are there skunks living in urban areas like this?” During my musings, my daughter remarked, “Mom, that smells like weed.” Quite surprised, I asked her, “How do you recognize that?” Then, my youngest, who was in middle school, spoke up, “Kids at school smoke marijuana in the bathroom every day.

The Simple Solutions for Safeguarding Children at Risk

As parents, it’s essential to guide our children in taking charge of their lives and discovering their own meaning and purpose. This journey is intertwined with helping them explore their identity as individuals reflecting the divine nature of the Creator. Once kids establish their values and sense of self, problem-solving becomes more manageable than expected.

When children have a solid sense of self-worth and identity, they’re more likely to make choices that align with their values and protect their dignity. Situations that might strongly tempt children with low self-esteem don’t hold the same allure for those with a strong and positive self-identity. 

Open communication, positive reinforcement, and teaching children to embrace their unique talents significantly contribute to their self-esteem and ability to resist negative influences. When parents support their children in discovering their intrinsic values, interests, and strengths, they empower them to make more confident decisions and navigate life’s challenges with resilience.

Parents play a pivotal role in providing support, guidance, and a safe environment for children to learn their identities through Biblical teachings. It’s an ongoing process that involves active involvement, patience, and understanding from parents in helping children recognize and appreciate their worth, while also instilling a strong moral compass throughout their lives.

Moreover when children see themselves as citizens of a heavenly kingdom filled with glory, love, peace, and tranquility, they come to realize that fleeting earthly pleasures don’t offer genuine comfort and fulfillment. Their focus shifts to hope in an eternal heavenly realm, fostering a visionary outlook. The more aligned their vision is with God’s, the greater their aspirations grow, leading to a purposeful and intentional life.

Clarity in our identity as God’s children shapes the choices our children make, steering them toward a life that mirrors their divine identity. This understanding influences every aspect of their lives—personality, learning capabilities, friendships, and career paths—optimizing them toward a sanctified and purpose-driven existence.

Imparting in our children the understanding of their identity and worth as holy and set apart, as children of God, stands as the most effective and assured means of safeguarding their well-being.

Ensuring the Safety of Our Cherished Children

First. Embrace Yourself as a Reflection of God’s Image

To instill in our children the identity of being children of God and guide them to lead lives of holiness, it starts with us as parents embracing our own identity as reflections of God’s image. We must deeply understand and internalize that we are indeed holy children of God, recognizing the incredible likeness we bear to God in terms of power, wisdom, and character. Understanding our authority, power, and glory as children of the King who reigns over all creation is crucial.

Only when we have this strong sense of confidence in our own identity can we authentically and effectively impart the meaning and value of being a child of God to our children. By living out this understanding in our own lives and teachings, we create an environment where our children can learn to separate themselves from worldly influences and embrace a life of holiness.

Second. Cultivating Spiritual Awareness in Parents

To instill in our children the practice of living in holiness, parents must first grasp the essence of what holiness means. It involves honing the ability to discern and reject things that do not align with holiness. Achieving this requires a daily commitment to deeply contemplate, remember, and reflect on God’s teachings. While knowledge isn’t the sole factor, possessing accurate knowledge is crucial for making sound decisions. Success lies in aligning our choices with what God approves and rejecting what He disapproves.

Sometimes, when the devil tempts us with something seemingly good, there’s a subtle addition of elements that aren’t holy. For instance, justifying a movie’s goodness because it won awards or dismissing immoral aspects in a piece of art. These rationalizations might lead us to overlook small yet morally questionable parts.

Satan often deceives us by skillfully packaging things in an appealing and alluring manner, targeting our eyes, ears, and hearts. This deceptive packaging can be found in various forms such as dramas, entertainment programs, talk shows, games, songs, dances, music videos, movies, and even in seemingly innocent content like children’s cartoons and songs. These mediums often carry sensational and unethical messages, some of which reject God, criticize Christ, and deny salvation through the cross.

It’s crucial for us to be aware of the subtle messages conveyed through hand signs, dance moves, song lyrics, and images, as these can subtly influence and captivate our children’s minds and souls. What we truly need in these times is a heightened spiritual sensitivity. Seeking spiritual discernment is essential for us to uphold the holiness that God has bestowed upon us.

To be continued.

P.S. The following guideline for parents, provided by AI, offers interesting and helpful insights. Take a look.

Instilling in children the identity of being children of God and guiding them to live a life of holiness involves several fundamental steps, starting with the parents’ own understanding and embodiment of this identity.

• Parental Example: Parents should embody the identity of being created in the image of God. By recognizing and embracing their own identity as holy children of God, they set an example for their children. Demonstrating a life aligned with these principles is powerful and influential in shaping children’s understanding.

• Self-Reflection and Recognition: Parents must reflect on the magnificence of being created in God’s image, understanding the depth of this identity—embodying God’s characteristics like wisdom, power, and character. This self-awareness fosters confidence, enabling parents to effectively communicate these values to their children.

• Teaching and Guidance: With a solid understanding of their own identity, parents can effectively teach their children about their divine heritage. Parents should communicate the significance and value of being a child of God, emphasizing the principles of love, compassion, and righteousness.

• Encouraging Spiritual Connection: Providing children with opportunities for spiritual growth, prayer, scripture reading, and discussions about faith helps them develop a personal relationship with God. This connection reinforces their identity as children of God.

• Setting Boundaries and Values: Guiding children to discern between worldly influences and a life of holiness involves setting clear boundaries and values. Parents can explain why certain behaviors or choices align better with their identity as children of God.

• Creating a Supportive Environment: Establishing a supportive family environment where children feel safe to express their doubts, questions, and struggles about faith and identity is crucial. This allows for open dialogue and guidance as they navigate their beliefs.

Ultimately, parents leading by example, fostering understanding, and consistently reinforcing the values associated with being children of God are foundational steps in guiding children to embrace this identity and live a life of holiness.