Planting Seeds Of Righteousness

By: Tamia Holland

Many children have always heard the phrase “because I said so” when asking a question. But, is this the appropriate response when parenting? I have been guilty of using this term in my younger years towards my children, but when I matured, I realized that these aren’t just my children but also souls given to me by God. I recognized that I had to do more than give commands. I am responsible for teaching them the statutes of God and helping them learn from my experience. I discovered that I had to be the sower who would plant or water the seed of righteousness, and God will give the increase. I learned that I had to teach and plant godly convictions in my children’s hearts so that they realize the words of God are true and not just mere words.

According to the King James dictionary, conviction is the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of truth. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I began to understand that I have been called to compel not just men to Christ but my own children. I wanted to be that godly example in my kids’ eyes. As parents, we are the walking Bible our children are reading, and God is taking note of how we handle the souls He has given us. More importantly, I understood it wasn’t about what I said to them but about what I did in the sight of my children. It was about being a hearer and a doer of the word of God. Can God trust you with the family He has given you? Are you teaching them to lean on and cling to the word of God? Have you dedicated those little ones to the Lord? Have you taught them to love God with all of their heart?

“How should we order the child and how shall we do unto him?” This was a question that was asked by Samson’s father Manoah in Judges 13. He inquired of this before his wife was pregnant with Samson and received the instructions from the Lord. As parents, it is important for us to request and receive guidance from the Lord regarding the rearing of our children. God will hear our prayers and is concerned about everything that concerns us. He will provide the instructions, but it is our duty to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 states that we are to train up a child in the way that they should go and when he or she is old they will not depart from it. We must prepare our children for society and the worldly influences that exist around them, so that they can decipher truth from a lie according to God’s word. This will equip them with the ability to resist the temptation to do evil when the opportunity presents itself. When training children in the ways of the Lord, parents are preparing them for life’s journey, both spiritually and naturally.

RULERS VERSUS LEADERS

“Many can rule but few will lead,” is what one of my mentors told me when I got saved. A ruler exerts authority by saying “do this and that” and “don’t ask me any questions” whereas a leader influences by example. Parenting is being that leader who directs their children to Christ. While we are living in a time when children are easily swayed by outside forces, parents are still the ultimate influence on their children. God’s word is unfailing, which means it is the key to success and eternal life. Things may fail us, but not God. Teach them the word!

A NEW LIFE AND A NEW WAY

Growing up, I was taught about education, moral principles and what to expect once I turned 18. Yet, I was missing the most important piece of my life, Jesus. Coming to know the Lord in a saving way, I had to unlearn what I thought was right. I had to be honest with myself and God and realize that I needed God in every aspect of my life including raising my children. As a parent, I now understand my responsibility to my children’s souls and refuse to let them grow up without Godly principles. It is not too late to ask God to direct you in your life. My children saw the life I lived before knowing the Lord, and now they see me as a brand-new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). I use those past experiences as teachable moments to let them know there is no fruit in unrighteousness.

BREAK THE BARRIER

We cannot change the past, but we can plan and live now. No matter how you were raised or your life circumstances, you can still be that godly example your children need today. God wants to help all who are willing to come to Him. This includes asking for guidance for how we govern our household. We don’t want our kids obeying us just because we said so. In a generation that desires an explanation, let us instruct in the law and statutes of God. Doing so, gives them a foundation and a reference for discerning the good, resisting the evil and answering questions with confidence about the God of their salvation.

SEEDS THAT GROW

Once you know the truth, you won’t be easily moved by “snake talk” or “moved with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). We move from belief to conviction. A conviction follows you wherever you go - whether you go to school, work, out of town, or home. When a conviction is present, a parent does not have to be present for a child to do the right thing. This is what we want for our children so they can grow into the man or woman God has called them to be. The seeds we plant as parents grow and blossom into a fellowship and experience with God that no one can take away from our children. The convictions and godly principles we instill in them will help them remain steadfast, immovable, and settled in the word of God no matter what the world has to offer. Give them Jesus!

By: Kenya Black

“How could God allow this to happen?” This is a question that plagues the mind of unbelievers who do not fully understand the nature of God. We live in a society where everything is someone else’s fault but our own. We are the masters of pointing fingers. This sinful nature is not new to just this generation. Consider the very beginning in the Garden of Eden. In short, man and woman and sin; snakes’ fault. But was it? If we take a dive into the scriptures, we see that when God questions Adam, He simply asks, “Did you eat of the fruit?” Adam declares, “the woman you gave me, gave me the fruit, and I did eat.” God then questions Eve, and what did she do? She pointed her finger, saying, “The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” This is a classic act of “it’s not my fault. They made me do it.” I know this act all too well because, when I was in sin, I made it my mission to blame everyone for my actions but myself. The question is why did they do it? But, the answer is simple, lust.

Lust is defined as a strong desire for something. It is often a misconception that lust is only associated with sex. But the scriptures tell us a different story. People lust after money, cars, lifestyles, and so much more. Eve lusted for God’s wisdom. The serpent deceived her, but he did not make her sin. Like many people today, the devil is an influencer himself. He uses tactics to study those who are impressionable, and just like a serpent, he chooses the perfect time and strikes his prey. There was something on the inside of her that saw the tree as desirable. It was pleasing to her eye, and when you mix your lust with enticements, sin is bound to come, ultimately bringing death. (James 1: 14-15). But what does all this have to do with you? that you may challenge yourself with a few questions. What in your life causes you to lust? Is it the carnal social media influencers that we just can’t seem to get away from? Or maybe the perverse group of friends you hang around? Could it possibly be the ungodly television shows you’re watching? The word of God declares that the devil is cunning and that the only time he shows up is to kill, steal and to destroy (John 10:10). When someone is cunning, they do what is necessary to get what they want. The devil wants your soul more than anything. He desires death for you, an eternity without God and peace. What better way to get you where he wants you than using yourself as the kryptonite?

What You’re Influenced by Determines Your Actions

Often, we try to pretend that our influences are not a large part of our lives. But if we examine our choices, everything we do has been or is dictated by some form of influence, good or bad. Think about the brand of tissue paper you buy. Did you watch a commercial? Did a family friend tell you about it or was there a Tik Tok that “changed your life?” Now, we are not discussing tissue, but do you see how quickly something so small as a commercial can have you running down the isles to try a new product? Either way, in whatever avenue, influence found its way to you, and it sparked your curiosity. So you tried it.

Lust Conceived

Many unbelievers seem to think that the devil is some fictional character who has little red horns and is located only on a hot sauce bottle. But in the word of God, the devil is described as an adversary who walks around as a lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is not dumb, and he is tactical in his methods of influencing. A fish does not desire to be cooked and served as your dinner. I believe they rather enjoy living. Regardless of numerous fish caught before them, no fish can resist the bait dangled in their face. Just like the fisherman baits its prey, hooks it, and reels it in, struggle or not, they have accomplished their fishing goal. This is what the devil desires to do with you. He desires to sift you as wheat (Luke 22:31).

When Eve gave the enemy a bit of attention, she wrestled within herself denying what the serpent said to her, while yet, proclaiming the truth that God has spoken “...of the fruit of the tree in the midst of the garden, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die”(Genesis 3:3).

However, the serpent, being cunning as he is, did not stop there. He told her that she would not die but instead become like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:1-5). Those danger instincts were increasing in her mind at an alarming rate. Now, she could no longer resist the urge and lust consumed her. What used to be a conviction became an unhealthy fascination.

There is an Escape

In times of despair, the question is often asked, “How did I end up here?” It had to be that sneaky devil, right? He made you do it. It is not you that wanted this to happen; you just couldn’t resist. This means that it’s not your fault, right?. Oh no, but it is! The Almighty God is so gracious and kind that He gives us freedom of choice. God has provided an escape through His son, Jesus Christ. He will give you power to overcome the tempter and your fleshly desires. It is your choice, and God desires that you choose life. (Deuteronomy 30:19).

SOCIAL MEDIA:

The New Puppet Master

By: PAS1

From the late 1940s until 1960, there was a television show called “Howdy Doody” that captivated the imaginations of children and adults alike. It starred a marionette, the show’s namesake, who lived in a fictional town called “Doodyville”. The show had a western theme, allowing children and adults to sit in the famed “Peanut Gallery” during the show’s tapings. The show was beloved, and it was watched by millions. It had a great deal of influence on the public and society as a whole. Advertisers used it to sell their products, merchandise was created for sale from the show’s characters and sets, and certain words and phrases became part of the lexicon of our vocabulary (Kowabonga!). The show’s influence had far-reaching effects on our society, and the people controlling the puppets wielded some authority in the marketplace through their appeal. The little puppet, in a sense, had become the master of all who would listen.

The influence of television adds to the strings

Lest you think that this article is set to discredit the kids show, please know that is not the goal. The Howdy Doody show had beneficial effects on society and it was wholesome on all levels. Howdy Doody started on radio but with the advent of television, its popularity spread.

Television has been a great influencer of how we think and feel about things in our world because what we see is often more memorable than what we hear. The eye is powerful, and when added to what we hear, it can influence us greatly. The word “influence” comes from the Latin, “influere” meaning “in to flow.” It literally means going with the flow, going along with what is going on, and following.

The Bible styles us as “the sheep of God’s pasture,” and sheep follow a shepherd or master. For years, television has been our main source for information on what is going on in the world.

As such, it has influenced how we see not only the world, but ourselves. We are told what to think and how to think, rendering many of the masses as puppets on a string.

Social media, the next phase in puppetry

Although television is still a major player in controlling the masses, a new, more insidious player has entered the struggle for the hearts and minds of the people, Social Media.

Social media started out as a way for us to be more connected with one another and a place where we could express our ideas and beliefs. In its infancy, it was great and allowed us to see life through the eyes of our fellow human beings. It became a nexus of information on culture, cooking, places to go for entertainment and many other useful things. We could see and hear about what people were doing on the other side of the world and it seemed to be a way for us to understand each other better and make the world a better place through that understanding. It was and still is a tool, and as with any tool, its benefit or detriment is predicated on the user.

Another Pandora’s box has been opened

Hundreds of social media sites can be accessed worldwide and each one is competing for our attention. Whether they offer ways to connect with old friends (Facebook) or give us ways to share our life through the pictures we take (Snapchat), we are drawn into the world of social media. It is estimated that fifty-nine percent of the world’s population is on social media. That is over four billion people. From the richest and most industrialized countries to the most impoverished, the siren’s song of social media has claimed them all.

We check in everyday to see what is trending (Tik Tok) or see what our favorite celebrities are doing and saying (Twitter) because we want to be informed about what the world is thinking and doing. The mythical Pandora, because of her curiosity, opened a box that she was not supposed to and unleashed things upon the world that made things more difficult for mankind, as it seems with social media. It has beneficial properties that come with a price. Although the internet opened the door, it is the social media barons who have taken full advantage of this medium for profit and control. Our buying habits, what we consider ethically and morally acceptable, and even our religious beliefs are now being dictated by what is new and trendy.

Greed, the order of the day

As stated before, there are benefits that we

(Continued from page 24) have derived from social media and I do not minimize them, but let’s be clear, social media was started for profit, not world peace. A report by the Business Research Company says that the social media industry is worth $94,830,000,000 as of 2020 and is predicted to reach $308,960,000,000 in 2025. Approximately, 3,000,000 businesses advertise on Facebook alone and Zoom and Skype are the preferred tools for webinars and meetings.

Add to that messaging apps like WhatsApp and WeChat along with Twitter, and you can see that social media is big business.

Staying connected or being controlled

Social media has captivated the consciousness of our world and, with it, to an extent, has become its master. I know many of you would take offense to this statement and say, “I am not under anyone’s control. I use social media; it does not control me.” If that is true, why can’t you go twenty-four hours without checking on social media? According to recent data, individuals’ average time on social media is two hours and twenty-seven minutes a day. Over a year’s time, that adds up to thirty-eight days a year on social media. And the entire time we are online, we are inundated with advertisements, pop-ups, requests for our attention, and suggestive information. Yes, we do stay connected but we are also exposed to things we may not want.

The strings desensitize and change your thinking

People have always thought they were in control even in the midst of being manipulated. When Pilate brought Jesus before the people and asked if he should let him go, the people cried, “Crucify Him!” Most of those people gathered before Pilate were from out-of-town and knew little, if anything, about Jesus. Yet, they chose to crucify him because their leaders told them to. They were being manipulated to do the dirty work of the enemies of truth. Social media has the power to do the same thing. Think about the challenges that have come on TikTok and the harm that has come to many who have participated in them. We ignore our morals, ethics and common sense, do the challenges and make fools of ourselves. Fifteen minutes of fame creates something that can haunt our future because anything posted online never goes away.

The new master takes control, but is he new?

Social media has created a new vocation, “Social Influencers.” These people spend their time on social media trying to influence us to buy, vacation, avoid, and try things they say are good. They develop a following and get paid by vendors to push their products. They not only get compensated in money but also in luxury hotel stays, vacations, and costly gifts, all because they tell you to go, buy, or do a certain thing. They do the bidding of the puppeteers to control your thinking. This is nothing new because man has always wanted control.

Go back to the beginning and you will see it in the Garden of Eden with the tree. Throughout time, man has always wanted to control that he shouldn’t. The new puppet masters have the same mentality that was present in the garden because the same spirit has influenced them both.