Let’s Think About This
As a former pastor, I feel a little curious when I hear people suggesting that part of today’s social problems is because “they” won’t allow God in the schools any more. I’ve always taught – and believed – that God is “omnipresent” … present everywhere … or, to use a phrase I’m fond of …. “There’s not a spot where God is not!”
I am also a strong believer in the separation of church and state … meaning that – from my perspective – it isn’t the public school’s job to teach or promote a particular religion. That responsibility belongs primarily with parents and faith communities.
Here’s the really hard question: “Are we – of whatever faith community – sending “Godly” children to school every day? Are we sending to school children that are rooted and grounded in love and acceptance? Are we sending to school children whose values are so steeped in their faith traditions – that they have the courage to befriend the friendless … to conduct themselves in ways that are respectful of authority and their classmates?
I grew up as a member of the Boy Scouts, and part of the Scout Law states: A scout is “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” Are we as parents promoting stru
ctures for our children that teach and reinforce these kinds of values?
I may be out of touch, but I don’t hear parents talking about having their children involved in activities like scouts … I do hear a lot about Little League and Soccer and Basketball … I hear a lot about how busy parents are shuttling their children back and forth to games and practices … but where are the children and youth getting “godly” values reinforced in daily living?
I get the impression that scouting isn’t nearly as “cool” as sports. I get the impression that living a “godly” life isn’t as “cool” as living by the norms of peers… for ourselves or our children.
What about our values? This really is where it starts. To what extent do our lives reflect the value of making the world a better place … and to what extent do our lives reflect a more self-absorbed value system of focusing on what is good for me and mine?
I hear a lot of complaints about this generation of “entitled” kids. Where did they learn that attitude? Where did they get that perspective? I don’t think it was in church or synagogue.
Blaming and pointing fingers are easy things to do. Taking personal responsibility is a hard thing to do. Looking ourselves in the mirror and asking what are the ways I am contributing to this problem is a courageous thing to do.
Here’s my invitation for today: Let us each look in the mirror. Better yet, let us do some genuine soul-searching, and ask ourselves how we are contributing to the current social climate. What part of this problem to do we own … as parents, as grandparents, as adult role-models, as carriers of our faith? Then resolve to claim our magnificent power … and model and instill the younger generation with good, old-fashioned “godly” values!
The extent to which you do is the extent to which you’ll be able to say, “I feel good about being me!” … and that’ a promise!
