Model the behavior you want to see

“… Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

—Ephesians 6:4 NIV

My son told me on a recent shopping trip to a neighborhood store, he noticed a sign posted outside: No more than three teenagers allowed in at one time. The clerk told him, it was due to a crowd of teens in the store at one time, and a recent surge in store theft.

Then, a week later, a local news story mentioned that a nearby amusement park was changing its policy for teens. Teenagers under 15 years old must be chaperoned in order to curb the fights and keep everyone safe.

There’s always been teenage rebellion. But the gangs seem to be increasing in number and the culture appears to be bolder and more armed and dangerous.

In a recent conversation with my sister, we were laughing about how when we were growing up, our rebellious ways were mild compared to today. We recalled being driven home by the school principal because our skirts were too short. And they were only 2 inches above our knees. But we had strict dress codes and were taught to respect and adhere to the rules.

Now I’m not suggesting that lack of discipline is the whole issue. Many factors go into a human being’s behavior. But I believe a lot of it is a lack of spiritual formation. We have gotten away from enforcing Godly values. Our kids aren’t going to Sunday school like we used to. Growing up, church was a place where spiritual values and principles were taught.

Many of the kids I went to public grade school with also attended my church. When we attended church, we were taught about God’s love, how to pray, and to serve one another. Some of us either sang in the junior choir or served on the altar. As we sang and blended our voices in harmony, it taught us the beauty of unity. Serving on the altar imparted respect and reverence for God. Others made crafts and cards for those in our church who were sick, and learned how to care for and nurture others. Friends who didn’t go to church often had grandparents who were nurturing and taught them about life and love.

Jesus was a remarkable communicator and taught using examples. The disciples watched as he cared for the sick and performed mighty miracles that provided food for the hungry. Jesus taught the disciples to be kind and caring toward the children. He knew they needed a nurturing Godly example.

Oftentimes, the examples we set are: Do as I say, not as I do. We need to watch that we are displaying the behaviors we want to foster in children as well.

Childhood is a precious time for our children to have fun and learn. Let’s pray for our children to grasp the concepts they need for a healthy spiritual and practical life at church and school. And let’s do what we can to set a good example to light their way.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.