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Standing on Truth in a Culture of Lies
Standing on Truth in a Culture of Lies
By Jeff Aegerter, LifeLight Parent Seminar Presenter
By Jeff Aegerter, LifeLight Parent Seminar Presenter
Parenting is a difficult task. The task becomes even more difficult when the ways of our culture come between us and our children’s search for truth and independence.
I recall many conversations I entered into with my teen children that included a discussion blended with part truths and part lies. These “mistruths” should have been my focus. Unfortunately, I often found myself missing the opportunity to address the thinking behind the conversation. One of those mistruths was my own belief that my wisdom and advice for my teen was “right” and they needed to hear me. On more than one occasion, I allowed my emotions to sweep me away and often felt like I got beat-up in the process as I fought with my teen about the topic under discussion. However, once I got myself more grounded in His truth, I was much more able to help guide and direct my own thinking, and consequently, help my teen. I realized that although I was the Dad, had some years of life experience behind me and perhaps some advice to give, I was not an all-knowing Father who could provide absolute direction. Much to my disappointment, I did not have all the answers!
The problem is the same as the question the serpent asked Eve in the Garden of Eden. Let’s listen in to that age-old conversation.
Genesis 3:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
“Did God really say…?” Perhaps you think this is a reasonable question to ask. But the mere fact that anyone would challenge what God Almighty has said, should be our first clue – and warning. This story provides a great lesson to us. First, we better know good and well what God has to say because our adversary certainly does. In fact, as you read on through this Genesis account, we find that Eve heard most of what God said but also embellished the story, adding her own emphasis ‘not to touch the tree’.
The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ”, Genesis 3:2. (If you take the time to re-read Genesis 2:15-17 you will find out exactly what God said.)
Secondly, the serpent added to Eve’s confusion by twisting God’s word, casting doubt, and then “clarifying” what God really meant – all because Eve (and I suggest, even those of us today) only partially recall exactly what God says and do not practice continual instruction in God’s truth. Like Eve, we “get the gist” of the matter and then during times of testing tend to add our own wisdom and advice. We then wonder why our words do not bring clarity or appreciation from our teens.
We often forget that God’s Word is alive and powerful. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” We should not rely on what we think God’s word told us at one time when we read it long ago. We need to re-read it today for today’s need. If it really is alive and active, God’s got a word for our situation now. God’s word will help us discern the “thoughts and attitudes of the heart”, but not only our own heart but our children’s hearts, as well. He can help us see what mistruths we and our children may believe. That helpful insight is what we so desperately need to truly help our teens counter today’s culture.
As a Dad that had 3 teenagers, all whom went through extremely difficult times and challenges, I often felt that each problem was something I needed to fix. However, what the Lord taught me is that He is sufficient for helping my teens and my responsibility was to trust Him with the outcome. As I leaned more and more on the Lord for wisdom and understanding – daily seeking Him in prayer, reading and meditating on His word – He gave me the grace and patience to allow Him to grow my teens (and me) through the trials of life.
So, if we are to be of any help in guiding our teens through the maze of lies and twisted half-truths bombarding them in today’s culture, we ourselves, have to be a reservoir with adequate resources to draw from. By spending time with the Lord, seeking His face and asking Him for direction, we will find that He will give us the wisdom and insight to guide our teens in the light of His truth.
