Does It Line Up?

When our kids were small they would often ask if they could watch a certain cartoon or television program that 'everyone else was watching'. Sometimes the program was just a harmless kids show and sometimes the program would have elements in it that weren't what we wanted our kids to see. There was one particular cartoon about a little boy who did nothing but talk back to his parents and whine all day long. We quickly crossed that one off our list when our children started whining. Then there was one that had a little turtle as the main character. Each episode had the little turtle learning a lesson on respect or some other such characteristic that we wanted our children to have. That program stayed on the list of TV viewing.

Then, as our boys got older, there were the video games to judge. Some had content that we certainly didn't approve of, and so were not allowed in the house. We never had one of our three children kick up a fuss, not once, when we said no to a program or video game or movie. Were they perfect kids? No, they weren't. We started when our children were very young to use Philippians 4:8 as our guide to movies, books, video games, TV programs and a lot more things too.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

When we were asked by one of our kids if such and such a program was okay to watch we would ask them if it lined up with Philippians 4:8. Sometimes the questionable program did, other times it didn't and the kids were alright with that. Not one of our children wanted to displease God and disobey His Word and by checking their questions against His Word they could see for themselves which way the Lord wanted them to go and what choices He wanted them to make.

Now that our children are grown they can still recite Philippians 4:8 because it was such a vital part of their growing up days. God's Word will guide you if you will allow it. God's Word has the answers you need whether it be for parenting, or any other situation that arises in your life. His Word is a 'lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path'.

I encourage you to turn to God for the answers you need. He will 'supply all our needs' and that includes guidance and advice. God bless.