Every Family in God's Service

From a Recent Conversation

By Jason Brown

Recently, I had a discussion with some of the older teens in our youth group.  It was a good discussion.  Cori and I had made the observation that out of this particular group of students none of them struggled with alcohol, drugs, sex, or really any other major teenage challenge.  (Not to say they are perfect.)  We were curious as to why this particular group hadn’t gotten caught up in the “all too typical” teenage drama.  What made them different?

So we asked them “why”?  Their responses were enlightening.  Most of them said that they had been very careful in the people that they hang out with.  They said the friends that they spend most of their time with were good influences on them and make “good choices”.  All of them said that their parents had influenced them.  One young man even said that “it’s not worth coming home and knowing my parents are disappointed, I can find other things to do.”  Another teen said “I hate to see that look of my parent’s disappointment when I let them down”.

I had always heard statics referring to this.  I have read articles about the impact that parents had on students.  But I had never really had a good conversation with teens who said that their parents had this great of an impact.  I am encouraged!

Two thoughts:

1. No matter who you are, choose your friends wisely.  Choose friends that impact you in a positive way.
2. Parents know that you have the greatest impact on your children.  What you do, what you say, and the way you act and react; your children are learning from you.  If you are honest they are more likely to be honest.  If you are friendly they are more likely to be friendly.  If you serve they will be more likely to be a servant.  If you spend much time with your children, listening, playing, talking, and interacting they will be less likely to do drugs, drink underage, have sex before marriage, and make all sorts of big mistakes in their lives.