2. “The Trouble with Children these days....” But the main thing wrong with this statement is, it ignores “the nut doesn’t fall too far from the tree”! Sounds awfully condescending doesn’t it? Also ignores the good examples of faith & practice in young folks. Besides, it sounds so “old” and is a rank generalization!

3. But that being said, there are some very troubling general trends among the younger segment of our society: Like a Lack of Respect -for Parents, Heb.12:9; Eph.6:1-3 -for Self (fishhooks in face, tattoos, etc.) -for Proper Authority, Rom.12:17; 13:1

4. Another troubling general trend among the younger segment of our society is: The Lack of a Good Work Ethic -Perhaps because they’ve spent their formative years almost, if not completely, “playing” (sports, video games, social butterflying), they don’t know how to “work”. cf. 2Thess.3:6-15 -If a work ethic isn’t learned during the formative years, it will cause problems later.

5. One more troubling general trend among the younger segment of our society is: Too much Self-Esteem, not enough Humility. -If children were lacking self-esteem, we’ve over compensated. Many are overdosed with Vitamin “I”. -They have become so selfish, thinking everything is about “me” and “my wants, needs, etc.” Phil.2:3- 4

6. But hold on just a minute- How did these troubling trends develop? From where did they come? Remember the bit about the “nut not falling too far from the tree” ? There is no doubt that at best we parents allowed, if not encouraged or created, these trends through our failures!

7. “But I’m not like that!” “I have always had proper respect for my parents, myself, and authority.” “I have always worked hard to provide for myself and my family.” “And I’m not selfish- my family is everything to me!” Really? So where did they learn it?

8. “But I’m not like that!” “I have always had proper respect for my parents, myself, and authority.” “I have always worked hard to provide for myself and my family.” “And I’m not selfish- my family is everything to me!” Really? So where did they learn it?

9. Think about this: What kind of child are you? Not what kind of child were you- what kind of child are you… You know, Spiritually? How’s your Respect for: -your Spiritual Father, Col.1:10 -your Spiritual Self, Luke 17:10 -your Spiritual Authority, Col.1:18

10. And what about: Your Work Ethic with regard to the Spiritual Cause? -Are you a spiritual buffeter? Just picking and choosing what you want and leaving the rest for someone else? -Are you working to become better at working for the Lord, or are you content on the spiritual welfare role? -Is the spiritual success of your family (physical or spiritual) because of or in spite of you???

11. Or what about: Your Spiritual Self-Esteem? -Is your religion “all about me”? Is it all about “My wants, my needs, my desires”? -Are your prayers inclusive of “Thy will be done,” or is it, “God here’s My list, see what You can do”? -It’s no wonder religions have become so patronizing and so interested in meeting the “needs of the whole man”- it’s what everyone wants religion to be! cf. James 1:22-27

12. Sometimes, the truth hurts. If we aren’t the kind of spiritual children we ought to be, Then it’s likely our children won’t be the kind of children we’d like them to be spiritually or physically! Take a serious look at the modern problems of youth and see if they don’t correlate to spiritual failures of the same type.