We live in a world where there are barrage of negative influences from everywhere. From the street, to the media, and among neighbours, bad influences are now all over the place that if care isn’t taken, even an adult will be negatively influenced without knowing it.
From what we see, and what we hear, the world system tries to force everyone into her mould.
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Proverbs 1:10 KJV)
The parent in the scripture above told his son to not yield to sinner’s enticement because he knows they will attempt it. As parents, it is our prime duty to teach our children to identify and avoid bad influences.
You must let them understand how their modus operandi can be known. The Psalmist told us how in the first chapter of his book. The following are how to teach your children.
1. Ungodly counsel
These are pieces of advice that emanates from people who do not have the nature of God. They are carnal and choose not to acknowledge God in their life. Tell your child to recognize ungodly counsel amongst their peers.
2. Sinner’s way
These are people whose lifestyle disobeys God. Everything they do is to transgress His command. Primarily, you can make them understand that sinners are basically those who do not keep the Ten Commandments and as they grow, let them know that it is the nature of sin (Adamic) in people that makes them sinners.
3. Scoffer’s seat
A scoffer or a scorner is a person who makes jest of whatever is godly because they want to discourage others from being godly. Let them know that anyone who talks them out of the godly teachings you instruct them is a scorner.
As parents, you must know what bad influence is so you can teach your child how to identify and avoid it. For instance, a parent who doesn’t know that worldly music is a bad influence will not discourage his child from listening to it.
Above all, teach your children the FEAR OF GOD, it’ll go a long way in helping them to identify ungodly counsel, keep them from standing in the path of sinners and it’ll refrain them from sharing a seat with scoffers.
ACTION: Ask God to show you what bad influences are (in case you don’t know it) so you can teach your children.
Peoplesmind