Shouldn’t the elder lead the younger instead of the other way around?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I’m so concerned for my children who are caught up with their devices – social media and gaming. Sadly, it is an epidemic within their generation, and with it is coming irritability, obesity, and unhappiness. Seldom do we see children playing outside. If they do, they have their phones with them. It’s become a security blanket – and I’ve noticed we parents are not too much different. We let the internet have more facetime than we have with those we love. Before coming down on them too hard, I decided to work on myself and be a better example of how to use modern technology responsibly, and I encourage other parents to consider putting the same thing into practice to save the young generation – and ourselves. Shouldn’t the elder lead the younger instead of the other way around? – T.M.
A: It is true that many parents have allowed electronic babysitters to infiltrate their homes and minds. It is so important for parents to set a good example in the home, in their marriage, and relationships, because children are impacted when someone says one thing and does another.
The influence of a mother upon the lives of her children cannot be measured. They know and absorb her example and attitudes when it comes to questions of honesty and temperance. And the greatest tribute a son can give a father is to say, “When I grow up, I want to be just like my dad.” It is a convicting responsibility for fathers and grandfathers. Amazing things can happen when a family bands together and puts Christ at the center of life.
We have exchanged love of family and home for cyberfriends and living on the information highway that robs the soul from making memories and fellowshipping with one another. Our own family circles know whether Christ lives in and through us.
========
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
Comments