There is a nationwide debate going on in colleges and high schools today. One side of the debate feels that schools must fill the void of shattered homes, instilling self-esteem and teaching values. Joycelyn Elders, recently removed Surgeon General, believed that sex education should be taught as early as kindergarten. Maybe she's right.

Parents, let's face it. What you don't teach your children about, someone else will. As parents, would we be violating God's commandment to raise our children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" if we turned our curious young one away when questioned about sexuality (Eph. 6:4)? Let's not be ashamed of the word of God. Open your Bible to Psalms 127 and 128, show your children Proverbs 5:18-20. Paul answered the Corinthians' questions about sexuality in 1 Corinthians 7. Teach your children what God has taught us. Don't be guilty of omitting an important part of God's word. Your children will suffer for it.

In schools today children are taught how their bodies work, and how to avoid the physical consequences of sin. Would Jesus prefer a child to be taught of contraceptives, or of "the bed undefiled" (Heb. 13:4)? Parents seem to have an easy time saying "if you have sex you'll go to hell." But it's not that simple. Confront all of your child's sincere questions with the truth of God as proof. As a college student, I can tell you that many school teachers say that no one belief is better than any other. In fact, your child is close-minded to think that there is one true religion. Brethren, teach your children "that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2).

Understand that by the time a child reaches the teenage years, his moral foundation is already established. Satan will be delighted if we procrastinate in teaching our children about life's more `sensitive' issues, because his servants are already teaching against God's truth. Let our love for Christ and our children guide us. Open the word of God and teach your children the truth and love God has planned for his children. You will never regret it.

Guardian of Truth XL: 8 p. 15
April 18, 1996