Posted on September 11, 2008 - by Andy McMahon

Sex

I am not one to blame television, music, video games or even the media for problems in society today.  That’s not my stance, and ultimately I feel it is the parents responsibility to teach their children right from wrong.  One thing that plagues me though, is sex and how it is so prominent today in every aspect of life.

I can’t turn on ABC Family to watch a show, without mention of sex, or sluts, or skanks, or whatever the hot topic word for today is.  It’s saddening.  Sure, it’s still the parents ultimate responsibility, but what is a kid to do when everywhere they turn sex is in their face?

Sex is an undertone in everything from jean commercials all the way to gum commercials! Family sitcoms to MTV.  Sex has become more than just a verb, and has embedded itself into culture.  It has become less of a special thing, and more something you need to do to be popular.  How do we encounter this with our youth?

Sure, we can say, “The Bible says don’t do it.”  But how do we instill this into Children, preteens, and Teenagers?  “I know the Bible says not to, but everywhere I turn, it’s all I can see or think about!”  And it’s true.  It’s not like the 1950’s anymore.  So.  How do we address this, confront it, or solve this issue?  How do we explain to kids that, even though everything is saying yes, they should say no?

Maybe if we focus less on “It’s wrong, and you’ll get an STD and Die!” and more on teaching these children how to live in the spirit, it will be less of a question and just more of an understanding.  Maybe if we help them realize that immediate temptation and satisfaction is not ultimately going to help make you feel whole.  I know it’s a difficult struggle.  I struggle with it.  I think just about anyone who is breathing struggles with it, and other temptations on a daily basis.  I do believe it is easier to deal with temptation with the spirit and love of Christ living in us.  However, if we choose to ignore culture, we will have a bigger issue on our hands, but if we use culture to encounter the shortcomings and sins of this world, then we might stand a chance in influencing and teaching our youth the way of Christ.

Talking to our kids as people not as infants, and help them realize God is alive in them just as much, if not more, than us.  What do you think?