Warning: Athletics &
Music may be Hazardous to the Spiritual Health of Your Family
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First, let me say that I realize it is an increasingly difficult
challenge for Christian fathers and mothers to provide wholesome
activities for their children. The easy way to do this (really
a copout) is to allow public schools, Little League, Boy Scouts,
Girl Scouts and other organizations to do the PARENT'S job of
directing the energies and occupying our children's time. However,
I believe in doing this we violate Biblical principles and ignore
scriptural warnings. This will hurt our children and the testimony
of Jesus Christ. If we choose this option the results may be as
terrible as the Bible states they were for the nation Israel,
...they sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons...
My concern is primarily in two areas. One, being the effect these
activities will have on our own children. The second, the influence
our example in allowing these activities will have on other families.
A parent may feel that their children can successfully resist
the temptation to conform to the world that they will be exposed
to by participating in unnecessary activities sponsored by the
public schools and other organizations. However, even if one is
correct in evaluating the strength of their children, surely none
would conclude that ALL children can successfully resist such
temptations. If other families are unable to successfully resist
such temptations and our example encourages them to submit themselves
or their children to these temptations, it is important to remember
that God will hold us accountable for our example.
It is easy to forget that the public school system, as we know
it, is an artificial system, designed by the leadership in and
of the world to accomplish what on the surface seem to be very
commendable goals. However, it is important that we realize that
the one who rules in the children of disobedience
has a secret agenda that is not talked about. That agenda is to
blind the minds of people from the light of
the gospel of the glory of Christ.
Most Christian parents have seen situations where young people
have grown up and cultivated friendships in the world and have
drifted into a life of sin. One of the primary reasons is because
they do not believe the truth in the following scriptures. Usually
they are badly hurt emotionally, morally, spiritually and in some
cases physically before they come to the place of repentance.
Parents, by law, are required to educate their children. Children
do need a good basic education. The public school system is still
considered by most (but not all) Christians to be an acceptable
method of accomplishing this. It is not without risk. However,
to extend the influence of the public school system or other organizations
of the world BEYOND what is NECESSARY needs to be carefully examined
in light of the following scriptures.
Romans 12:2
And DO NOT BE CONFORMED to this world, but BE TRANSFORMED
by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
James 4:4
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that FRIENDSHIP
WITH THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD? Whoever therefore WANTS
TO BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD MAKES HIMSELF an ENEMY
OF GOD.
1 John 2:15
DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD or the THINGS IN THE WORLD.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
These passages are not man's words, they are God's words
1 Thessalonians 2:13
"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because
when you RECEIVED the WORD of GOD which you heard
from us, you welcomed it NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN, but AS
IT IS IN TRUTH, the WORD OF GOD, which also EFFECTIVELY
WORKS IN YOU WHO BELIEVE.
Satan is the one who controls all that is in the world
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is VEILED to
those who ARE PERISHING, Whose minds THE GOD OF THIS
AGE HAS BLINDED, who do not believe, LEST THE LIGHT OF
THE GOSPEL OF THE GLORY OF CHRIST, who is the image of God,
should shine on them.
Ephesians 2:2
In which you once walked according to the course
of this world, according to the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF
THE AIR, the spirit who now works in the SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE
Ephesians 5:5-12
For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person,
nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the
kingdom of Christ and God... Let no one deceive you with empty
words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon
the sons of disobedience. 11 And HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH
THE UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF DARKNESS, but rather expose them.
For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done
by them in secret. (Today not much of it is secret. The sinful
lifestyle of prominent people such as athletes, entertainers &
politicians is pretty open and known to all.)
Bad role models cause bad results
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: "EVIL COMPANY CORRUPTS
GOOD HABITS."
Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with WISE MEN WILL BE WISE, but the
COMPANION of FOOLS will BE DESTROYED.
Proverbs 22:24-25
Make NO FRIENDSHIP with an angry man, and
with a furious man do not go, 25 LEST YOU LEARN HIS WAYS
and set a snare for your soul.
Philippians 1:9-11
...That you may APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT,
that you may BE sincere and without offense till
the day of Christ, Being filled with the fruits of righteousness
which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
The lessons of history are quickly forgotten
Romans 15:4
For whatever things were written before were written for our
learning...
1 Corinthians 10:6-11
Now these things became our examples, to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted...
11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and
they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends
of the ages have come.
Inspired history tells us
Psalms 106:35-39
But they MINGLED WITH THE GENTILES And LEARNED
THEIR WORKS; 36 They served their idols, Which became
a snare to them. 37 They even SACRIFICED their SONS
And their DAUGHTERS TO DEMONS, 38 And SHED INNOCENT
BLOOD, Even THE BLOOD of their SONS AND DAUGHTERS,
Whom they SACRIFICED TO THE IDOLS OF CANAAN; And the land
was polluted with blood. 39 Thus they were DEFILED BY THEIR
OWN WORKS, And PLAYED THE HARLOT BY THEIR OWN DEEDS.
Proverbs 24:1
Do not be envious of evil men, nor DESIRE TO
BE WITH THEM (We need to let God define evil
men. They are described in Ephesians 2)
These scriptures (and there are many more) should help us realize
that it is not wise to unnecessarily expose ourselves or our children
to the influence of the world. There is a tremendous amount of
Satan's influence that we can not avoid. I believe that every
Christian parent wants his children to grow up as described in
the Psalms, That our sons may be as plants grown up in their
youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, Sculptured in palace
style;... Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy
are the people whose God is the LORD! (Psalms 144:12
- 15).
However, in order to accomplish this the Psalmist prayed that
God would, Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners,
Whose mouth speaks vain words, And whose right hand is a right
hand of falsehood-- (Psalms 144:11). Verse 11 is an accurate
description of the world we are not to love or to want friendship
with. We will have the success of verses 12 to 15 to the degree
we are NOT influenced and our children are NOT influenced
by those described in verse 11.
One of the aspects of extracurricular school activities that makes
them so deceptive is the fact that often WHAT is done is OF ITSELF
fine, possibly even "excellent." Young people need exercise
as the scripture says, For bodily exercise profits a little,
(1 Timothy 4:8). However, it is not necessary to develop the taste for
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride
of life to get adequate exercise or to have a good time.
If there is a risk of compromising the second half of the passage,
... but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise
of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Timothy
4:8), it is not worth the risk.
To learn to play and sing music is good, as the scripture tells
us: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... teaching
and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Colossians 3:16). Music is a powerful force in molding the minds of
people. It effects the emotions and the intellect at
the same time. Therefore it is good to learn to use this medium
in a spiritual way. However, it is just as important that we do
not let the god of this world use it to influence us in a carnal
way. Do we want our children to become caught up in and worship
the physical ability, beauty or handsomeness of the athlete? Do
we want them to develop the desire for praise that comes from
being a winner in this human and fleshly plane? Do we want them
to feel accomplished because they are praised by those who want
to use them for a time, discard them and then turn to someone
else to use to accomplish their own goals? Do we want our young
people to be unable to distinguish between songs, hymns
and spiritual songs that "teach and admonish"
and the soulish and sentimental songs the world craves and our
flesh will enjoy? Do we want the MORAL VALUES of our young
people to be molded by the immoral lyrics that are a part of most
popular music of whatever type? I feel every Christian parent
would answer, NO, NO, NO!!! Certainly when we lose a young
person to drink, drugs, immorality or the world itself, we say
"NO". We are exhorted by God, Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like
a roaring lion, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. RESIST HIM, STEADFAST
in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced
by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8 & 9)
Relevant to the responsibility each of us has for the influence
we might have on other families whose children may not successfully
resist the temptation to conform to this world, let me share the
following passages with you.
Matthew 18:6-7
But whoever causes one of these little ones who
believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him
if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned
in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses!
For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense
comes!
Romans 14:12-13
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve
this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's
way.
Romans 14:15-16
Yet if your brother is grieved because of your
food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy
with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not
let your good be spoken of as evil.
Romans 14:19
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and
the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:21
It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything
by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
1 Corinthians 8:9-13
But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become
a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if
anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple,
will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened
to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge
shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12
But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their
weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore,
if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again
eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not
helpful; all things are lawful for me, but all things
do not edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's
well-being.
1 Corinthians 10:31-32
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do
all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews
or to the Greeks or to the church of God.
Hebrews 12:12-14
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble
knees, 13 And make straight paths for your feet, so that what
is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. 14 Pursue
peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see
the Lord.
Philippians 1:9-11
APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT, that you may be sincere
and without offense till the day of Christ,
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness... to the
glory and praise of God.
From these passages I get a very strong feeling that even if my
family is "strong" (which is a very dangerous conclusion),
even if I feel I can resist temptation (which is a very foolish
conclusion in light of 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks
he stands take heed lest he fall.), I need to allow the
potential of my actions on others to limit what
I will do or allow my family to do in many situations.
I hope and pray that every Christian parent will prayerfully consider
these scriptures and the thoughts expressed. We as Christian fathers
need to put out the effort to provide wholesome activities for
our children with other young people whose parents have the same
commitment of heart. It is our responsibility, not the responsibility
of the worldly wise men. Don't forget that they have hidden agenda,
that in many cases may even be hidden from them.
Robert A. Grove
December 13, 1996
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