Filling The Moral Warehouse

An interesting story has suddenly evolved on the Australian moral landscape. It’s dominated the media and even called comment from the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. The issue is the level of manners and moral standards within the Australian society.

The main thrust of the argument says that reality TV is to blame and that greater censorship is needed by broadcasters to avoid a further decline in the language and social manners. And there is probably a point to the argument, however I believe the true point is being missed.

Morals start in the home. Moral standards are governed by the level to which they are encouraged by the leadership of the home. Parents are the ones with whom the ultimate responsibility of moral etiquette starts with, not the media, nor the schools, nor the church. The Bible tells us clearly that we Christians, rather than the school that teaches values education (as some are now doing) or the church (which should be backing the values of the home), are the ones who will bring light to the world as salt brings flavour to food – and that means both you and your children. So how do we start to raise a moral consciousness in our children that allows them to be the examples in a darkened world? We need to give them the ability to draw from their moral warehouse. How do we do this? And what is a moral warehouse?

The moral warehouse is simply a resource in a person’s consciousness that allows them to determine the right and wrong action when in a circumstance. For example, giving up a seat for the elderly, based on the scriptural principle of honouring age. When we have been taught this, we can then apply the principle. If we have it in our moral fibre, then the Holy Spirit confirms it to us. So, how do we start to fill their moral warehouse?

1) Teach them the value of right and wrong, with the scriptures as your guide.
The children of Israel were encouraged to teach the laws to their children when they went about their everyday business, not just in moments of conflict. Do you spend time with your children encouraging them why something is right when they’re not in trouble? What values are you teaching them and in what circumstances?

2) Parent for the future, not the moment
We’ve all seen parents at the shops giving their children something to make them behave – the bribe is “I’ll give you this treat now, if you promise to be quiet.” The correct response is the reward which states “I’ll give you this treat later, if you can be quiet now.” Easier said than done at times, I know. But think what long term negative effects your going to reap if you ignore the irresponsible behaviour now.

3) Parent with responsibility.
Understand that you are the primary caregiver of their hearts, their minds and their bodies. You are the primary responsibility for the way they develop – not their friends, not their school nor their church. You are the one who has the awesome responsibility of nourishing and building the young soul. Never take that lightly.

4) Realize parenting is a process
Parenting is an ongoing and continual journey. Make it joyful and make it something that you’re going to look on in fondness. It is never too late to become a parent who teaches the values of family identity, both spiritually and emotionally.

5) Parent with God
God has promised that he would never leave nor forsake, and the Holy Spirit would be the one to teach and to instruct us. Ask Him to help you transfer moral values into the hearts of your children.

Though there are more points and things that can be said about each thing here I am not going to go into them. The main point I wanted to make, is that I believe parents are the ones who shape the values of society. If we take this job seriously, and put it into practice in daily parenting, then perhaps one day it will be our children wanting to turn the TV off because they don’t want it to shape them.

This article has used some resources presented by Growing Families International. For information on their ministry visit www.gfi.org