Conclusion of Inculcate Moral Vakues in Your Children -Help Your Teen to Evaluate the Consequences

Help Your Teen to Evaluate the Consequences

To make good decisions in any aspect of life. teenagers need to know how to identify options and then weigh the pros and cons of each option.  Do not think that their simply knowing what is right and what is wrong is enough.  "Reflecting on the mistakes of my youth," says a Christian woman in Australia named Emma, "I can say that just knowing God's standards doesn't mean you agree with them.  Understanding the benefits of those standards-and the consequences of violating them -is vital.

The Bible can help, for many of its commands are reinforced by phrases that set forth the consequences of wrongdoing.  For example, Proverbs 5:8, 9 urges  young men to shun fornication "that you may not give to others your dignity."  As those verses indicate, those who engage in premarital sex sacrifice a degree of their character, integrity, and self-respect. And that makes them far less attractive  to any potential mate who has those qualities.  Reflecting on the physical, emotional and spiritual dangers of disregarding God's laws can bolster your teen's resolve to live by them."

TRY THIS:  Use illustrations to help your teen see the wisdom of God's standards.  For example, you might say:  "A campfire is good; a forest  fire is bad.  What is the difference between the two, and how does your answer apply to the boundaries God has set regarding sex?" Use the account at Provers 5:3-14 to help your teen understand the harmful consequences of fornication.

Takao, an 18-year-old in Japan, states,  "I know that I should do what is right, but there is this ongoing struggle against the desires of the flesh."  Youths who feel that way can be comforted by the fact that they are not alone.  Even the apostle Paul-a stalwart Christians-admitted: "When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me." -Romans 7:21.

Teenagers could do well to realize that such a struggle is not always bad.  It can prompt them to contemplate just what sort of person they wan to become.  It can help them to come to grips with the question, 'Do I want to take charge of my life and be known as someone who has character and integrity, or do I want to be known as a follower-a person who weakly caves in to his desires?'  Having good moral values will help your teen answer that question wisely.

Next time: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE Most Important Day of the Year?

The Watchtower, 2011