Parenting and Social Responsibility

"Am I my brother's keeper?" retorted Cain when God questioned him concerning the whereabouts of his brother Abel, whom Cain had just murdered.

Cain's age-old response to God started mankind down a path that has had major ramifications for our societies and civilizations. When we reject a sense of responsibility for the welfare of our fellowman, we're reduced to savagery in a struggle for dominance and the survival of the fittest. When we accept a shared responsibility with and for one another, we are then able to work together for the common good.

In spite of the abundance of warning signs in the behavior of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold—including an obsession with violent video games, strange music, black clothing, Adolf Hitler and guns and explosives—the two boys marched unimpeded toward orchestrating their personal Armageddon.

The two obtained a small arsenal of guns and ammunition and materials to construct more than 60 bombs—some of them extremely sophisticated—apparently without their families' knowledge or intervention. Fifteen people lost their lives and 23 others were wounded because no one intervened to put a stop to a tragedy in the making.

What does this say about the state of modern families?

Dave DeForest-Stalls, executive director of an activity center for Denver teens and older youth, expressed the problem this way: "What it all comes down to is, Who's listening to these kids? Who is spending enough time to listen to them? Who knows them?"

Research has shown the links between broken homes and the increased likelihood of eventual criminal behavior. Yet the Columbine High catastrophe is a dramatic wake-up call to all families. These two students came from apparently stable, middle-class- and wealthy families. But, in a society in which the norm is that parents hold down one or more jobs outside the home, as was the case here, there isn't enough time to go around.

When we analyze our society as a whole the picture becomes clear. "We don't spend enough time with kids, and we've taught them they're not valued," Mr. DeForest-Stalls said. "We'll give them a check, a credit card, a car before we give them our time."

Material possessions—cars, computers, gadgets and a generous allowance—are no substitute for the priceless gift of time spent with our children.

"We have to focus on our own behavior and neglect rather than on what's so wrong with kids these days," he continued. "We have to let them know their lives have value ..."

God expects parents to instill proper values in their children. When He gave His laws to ancient Israel, He knew the family was the building block of a safe and decent society. Immediately after He revealed the Ten Commandments, notice His instruction to parents:

"Keep these words, which I say to you this day, deep in your hearts; teaching them to your children with all care, talking of them when you are at rest in your house or walking by the way, when you go to sleep and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Bible in Basic English).

Several fundamental principles for maintaining an orderly society come clear in these verses.

First, parents are to learn God's laws and allow His Word to guide their thoughts and conduct. The words and deeds of parents are the most effective teacher in instilling proper values.

Second, parents are to teach God's laws to their children "with all care." They are to make this one of their highest priorities. No parent should excuse himself from this God-given responsibility.

Third, parents must regularly discuss God's laws and His Word with their children. Parents should teach their children, through real-life examples we see in the news and all around us, how obedience to godly laws brings blessings and disobedience brings pain and sorrow. The tragedy at Columbine High School is a powerful example of how obsession with evil leads to indescribable anguish to everyone involved. Far too many of the adults and peers who interacted with Eric
Harris and Dylan Klebold had lost touch with the way they were thinking.

Fourth, this passage clearly tells parents regularly to spend time with their children—to converse with them, know what they are thinking and let them know they are loved, valued and appreciated, both by their parents and by their Creator. Parents should know how their children think and feel-what they enjoy and what causes them pain and hurt. Parents should be there to guide them in dealing with anger and coping with frustration and rejection.


well,that's pretty true
and we shld all have a common goal instead of fighting against each other
=D

A key to contentment

Paul's words bring into relief an unusual concept of the purpose of wealth. Most people view work and money as the necessary means of satisfying their personal needs and wants, which can often be selfishly focused. But a righteous viewpoint embraces the spirit of God's law of love, which is concerned about the welfare of others in addition to oneself. We should keep this in mind when contemplating how to use money and other material wealth. By examining the example and words of Paul, we see that he learned to be content with only what he had during various periods of his life (Philippians 4:11). Sometimes this was almost nothing.

Paul tells us that "godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Considerable spiritual danger lies in wanting more and more. Paul recognized this: "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life . . ." (verses 9-11).

Because of constant pressure to buy and satisfy our every urge, such contentment and focus is difficult for us to achieve. But the closer we come to contentment the better off we will be. We need to learn to focus on our genuine needs rather than the frivolous things advertisers have convinced us we need.

Responsibilities toward others

God's Word offers many other financial principles and truths we should study and follow to gain wisdom and guidance from God's mind.

One sound bit of advice is to pay your taxes. Romans 13:1-7 teaches we should comply with governmental tax requirements. Some wrongly think they are above and exempt from government authority, but this is not what the Bible teaches (except in cases where God's laws conflict with man's; Acts 5:29).

Failure to pay taxes can result in severe penalties because it is against the law of the land. Jesus Himself told us to pay taxes but not neglect what we owe toGod (Matthew 22:17-21). We should pay first that which belongs to God as well as that which is required by the government.

The apostle Paul teaches that we should be willing and generous in contributing to the needs of others (2 Corinthians 9:6-15). He amplifies this by explaining that we should work so we "may have something to give him who has need" (Ephesians 4:28).

What is our highest priority?

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 shows the futility of seeking worldly pleasure, wealth and materialism. In the end such pursuits are empty: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance with increase" (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

This illustrates again the importance of putting the things of God and His Kingdom first because they alone give lasting satisfaction and fulfillment.

Jesus Christ tells us we cannot successfully focus on and place the correct emphasis on both God and "mammon"—material wealth (Matthew 6:24).

Therefore the choice between the two is an important one.

To help us consider and evaluate these alternatives, Jesus contrasted the value of each. Earthly treasure is easily destroyed or stolen, He said, although heavenly riches are not vulnerable to loss or theft and are therefore more enduring and substantial (verses 19-20).

Later He continued this theme by showing that being overly concerned with the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches can strangle the influence of God's Word, preventing spiritual growth and maturity (Matthew 13:22).

In Matthew 19:16-26 and Luke 12:13-34 He gives additional examples of the greater importance and value of setting our heart on spiritual priorities rather than material and earthly concerns.

Acknowledging God for His blessings

Because God is the Creator, life giver and sustainer of every living being, it follows that He has the prerogative to ask something in return from those who live as tenants on His property. Thousands of years ago He instituted the financial principle of tithing—giving 10 percent of one's increase to His representatives—as a way of acknowledging Him as the source of our blessings. Tithing also provides a means for allowing His truth to be shared with others.

Scripture shows us that the Old Testament patriarchs Abraham and Jacob tithed (Genesis 14:18-20; 28:22). God commanded the entire nation of Israel to tithe (Leviticus 27:30). Jesus Christ endorsed tithing (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42).

People who think tithing is a humanly contrived scheme to obtain wealth fail to see this financial practice was ordained by God, not man, for a great spiritual purpose. They also fail to see that being willing to acknowledge and obey God in this matter is an important step toward attaining personal happiness and financial success.

God promises material blessings to those who obey Him and acknowledge Him with their wealth (Proverbs 3:1, 9-10). Through the prophet Malachi God warned that withholding His tithe amounts to robbing Him, but He will bless those who tithe (Malachi 3:7-12).

God gives us "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). Giving a 10th back to Him, along with offerings that express our gratitude, is a basic financial obligation. Putting God first in your financial planning shows you are getting your priorities straight and willing to follow God's instruction. The first 10th of our increase is holy to God (Leviticus 27:30) and should be set aside for His purposes and desires rather than our own.

The source of all wealth

Many have forgotten—or never considered—that it is God who gives us power to obtain wealth. Although diligent effort is a necessary part of anyone's success, God reminds us that when we say in our hearts, "My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth," we need to "remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

As 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 tells us: "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; . . . Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all."

Psalm 24:1 adds, "The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."

These verses give a critically important godly perspective that we need to consider. It is God who gives us our life and capacities and who has created the earth's raw materials from which commodities and wealth originate.

Man's focus on materialism

We live in a world that does not seek the knowledge of its Creator—including His financial advice. Few people are aware that the Bible contains an amazing amount of information about how to accumulate and manage wealth. God wants us to be prosperous and happy (3 John 2), and He offers guidance to make that possible.

Most people feel they are able on their own to handle their personal affairs, including monetary decisions and allocations. They don't realize this is where they make a great mistake, because they unknowingly cut themselves off from God's favor and guidance that lead to the financial success they seek.

For example, contrary to human inclination, God tells us not to set a high priority on the accumulation of wealth and material goods. Instead, even though we have physical needs, He tells us that spiritual values and objectives are more important and lasting and that we need first to seek His Kingdom rather than the things of this world. If we do this He promises to supply the physical necessities we require (Matthew 6:19-34).

However, because people are naturally inclined toward acquiring as much as possible for themselves, many find God's approach difficult to accept and pursue. But if we want to attain real financial stability and security-with peace of mind—we must recognize the importance of putting God first. After all, He is the primary source of our blessings. Covetousness, along with lack of discipline and self-control, is a root cause of much personal and national economic trouble (1 Timothy 6:10).

God's Word sternly warns against covetousness. God's Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17) forbids coveting—intensely or obsessively desiring something that doesn't belong to us.
The prophet Jeremiah indicted the kingdom of Judah for its citizens' covetousness (Jeremiah 22:17). Jesus Christ warned of its dangers (Luke 12:15-34).

Hebrews 13:5 tells us, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have." Too many people fail to recognize the perils of yielding to their desires and cravings, especially when they can't afford them.

Financial Security and Peace of Mind

A popular magazine pointed out that some Hollywood celebrities, each earning more than $35 million per year, were deeply in debt. A newspaper article similarly reported that a popular musician had to drastically reorder his finances because his personal spending had grown to an average of some $400,000 per week.

At the same time, many nations are mired in serious financial trouble, carrying enormous deficits, in spite of their industrial, business and agricultural productivity and know-how.
Following these same patterns, personal bankruptcies are soaring upward, and many families owe so much money they have very little hope of getting out of debt.

It is ironic that our materialistic world, which prizes the acquisition of wealth over almost everything else, is so heavily burdened by it. It is not hard to see that something is fundamentally wrong and out of balance. Instead of being a blessing and source of stability and security, money has come to be a curse that often produces great stress and anxiety because people have not learned to properly use it.