Recently, I met a parent of a teenager who has a quite common philosophy of our day with regards to her teen making decisions. In short, she felt that her teen should be presented with all options, and then he could make a decision. This was based upon the popular philosophy of our day that says they are individuals and should be allowed to choose for themselves.
The problem with this philosophy is that a teenager must be taught to discern good and evil. He or she must be taught how to make decisions before they should be simply expected to make the right decisions. Any human being left to himself or herself, with no training, will make selfish decisions. That is our nature, and this is especially reflected in the youth years.
As I was reading, I came across this Proverb that must be applied today. Proverbs 19:27 says, “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.“ Teens are often told to listen to the right authorities. It is just as important that they be taught to STOP listening to the wrong advice or those who they have been counseled against (by Godly counselors).
There is such a thing as instruction that causes young people to go in the way in which they are not to go, and it is foolish to present truth and error to one who has not been trained or learned discernment; and then to expect them to make the right decisions. The Lord has given to us one life, and He has the done the same for our children. Teach them the Truth inside and outside your home. In addition, teach them to not listen to those who teach them contrary to what the knowledge they have been given.
