Do it because the Bible says so?

Not that long ago, I was in a Sunday school class for parents of teenagers. One parent after another began lamenting about what their teens were or were not doing. It ranged from drug and alcohol abuse, to sex, disobedience and less than perfect grades in school.

I could tell it was turning into more of a group gripe session than trying to help encourage or solve anything so I broke up the discussion by asking, “Why wouldn’t they want to do all of those things? They’re fun aren’t they?”

With incredulous looks, all heads turned to me. One finally said (somewhat sternly I might add), “They shouldn’t do it because the Bible says so.” My response of “So, what?” yielded looks of disbelief and then the blank stares set in. That was their only answer; “The Bible says so.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I agree with what they said, but as parents of teens, often times we are no longer given a respectful pass as knowing what we are talking about. There are times when we must be like good marketers and salesman. “Sell the sizzle, not the steak” as the they say. For example, tell them why it is in their best interest, IN ADDITION TO because the Bible says so.

Keep in mind that everyone listens to the same radio station, WIIFM, or more commonly known as “What’s In It For Me.” Help these young men and women connect the dots so they can see WHY they should do what you say. If there isn’t a good reason why they should, well then, maybe they shouldn’t.

There are all sorts of sources and websites that add support to the practical reasons why you should live a prudent life. For example, everyone knows that if you have unprotected sex there is increased risk for pregnancy, AIDS and std’s. But, how many know that sex before marriage increases the likelihood of depression by 600% and the likelihood of suicide by 300%? Not to mention the fact that fooling around before marriage hinders the relationship after marriage.

You see, someone can use protection to eliminate the risk for pregnancy, AIDS, and std’s. But, there is no protection out there that will eliminate those other risks. So, for the mental well being of your teen as well as increasing the odds of having a GREAT marriage in the future, the wise young man or women will take a gamble on staying pure.

Did you also know that the younger a person starts doing drugs or using alcohol, the more likely they are to become addicted later in life? That can have serious negative consequences later on. If they want the high that it gives (Who doesn’t? It is fun, isn’t it?), why not take them bungee jumping or skydiving? That will give a thrill without the hazardous side effects and consequences.

The point is, instead of being at odds with them, get on the same page and focus on what is truly important to them. What kind of life do they want? How are they gifted? What really turns them on? Then do whatever you can to help them achieve their goals. If they see you as an asset to what they truly want, instead of a liability, they will be much more inclined to listen. They just have to see that it is their best interest. Help them think it through and do whatever you can (short of sin) to help them get what they truly want.

Who knows, you may end up not being able to get rid of them, which opens up a whole new set of issues!

RJ Regan is the author of Gambling for Life: Swinging the odds in your favor for more money and great sex. He is a resident of East Grand Rapids, MI, married to his sweetheart Julie, father of four, an entrepreneur, speaker and life coach. His website is www.getyourpoopinagroup.com

Share and Enjoy: