I think it's both (parents exasperate, children are rebellious), but I think it ultimately has to rest upon the parents and how they have raised their child. If they do their job as they should, the child will be faithful and in tune with them. I've yet to hear a sound biblical reason why Proverbs 22:6, "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it," isn't a universally true statement. I.e., I see no reason to not interpret it literally. If a child errs and falls away, has a bad relationship (is rebellious), the parents have failed in properly raising said child.
So, naturally, being a parent is a big responsibility....
I know I'm a perfect stranger, but my feeling would be that it's totally the parents, giving their children love, discipline, and providing them with an appropriate environment to grow up in the love of God. That is security.
I grew up in an odd situation too, but I had friends with stable Christian parents, and their families were always so loving and kind and strong.
Although children are rebellious, I tend to think that it is generally the parents' fault if there are broken relationships. The scriptures place clear responsibility on the parents, but most especially the fathers
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Re: My ramblesmissus_tomFebruary 8 2005, 03:58:32 UTC
I agree with so much of what you said. Kids do want so much to have attention and affection from their parents. But if the parents consistently let them down and don't guide them, that natural good will and desire for fellowship with the parents begins to erode.
I think some of the best parents came from less than ideal situations themselves and are very committed to doing a better job with their own kids.
Re: NZ 4 cents worth = US 2 cents worthelanortheeldestFebruary 7 2005, 03:54:17 UTC
This subconsciously reinforced to me that I should put God before education. Now I increasingly know of Christian parents keeping their children home if they have too much homework. To me that sets an example to the children that education is a higher priority than God which then comes back to roost when those children go to University/College.
oh, yes, I agree. Seemingly small decisions like this build ownderful foundations. I have watched many families fall prey to the notion that "just this once is OK, she has so much homework to do and is such a good student!" It is sad to see. If the parents recognize their first priorities correctly, children generally follow.
Re: NZ 4 cents worth = US 2 cents worth617February 7 2005, 10:40:00 UTC
When I was eleven I missed Church one week because I was sleeping over with a friend from school. When I asked if I could sleep over the follwing weekend I remember my Dad saying no and pointing out that I'd missed one week already and if I went on missing 'one week' then I'd stop going to Church altogether. That really got the message through to me, I still remember it.
Re: NZ 4 cents worth = US 2 cents worthmissus_tomFebruary 8 2005, 04:05:06 UTC
In your experience, have you ever seen a young person become rebellious and it be a complete surprise to everyone?
The Christian kids that I've seen develop bad attitudes and become rebellious usually don't get that way suddenly and surprisingly. Usually one could see the trouble coming in that particular family because of neglect or carelessness on the part of the parents.
(Nice to hear from you, btw. I read your posts off of sirjake's LJ)
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So, naturally, being a parent is a big responsibility....
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Tell me about it. And could any venture have higher stakes?
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Sin.
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I grew up in an odd situation too, but I had friends with stable Christian parents, and their families were always so loving and kind and strong.
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The issues arose because of an odd church situation and the fact that my father was a hypocrite.
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I think some of the best parents came from less than ideal situations themselves and are very committed to doing a better job with their own kids.
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oh, yes, I agree. Seemingly small decisions like this build ownderful foundations. I have watched many families fall prey to the notion that "just this once is OK, she has so much homework to do and is such a good student!" It is sad to see. If the parents recognize their first priorities correctly, children generally follow.
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The Christian kids that I've seen develop bad attitudes and become rebellious usually don't get that way suddenly and surprisingly. Usually one could see the trouble coming in that particular family because of neglect or carelessness on the part of the parents.
(Nice to hear from you, btw. I read your posts off of sirjake's LJ)
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