Let Them Decide for Themselves?

There is a phrase sometimes heard from parents and others pertaining to children and young people _ a phrase that says: “Let them decide for themselves.” As to religious, spiritual and moral instruction parents sometimes say: “Let them decide for themselves.” It has an easy sound, but what standards, what example, what foundations have we given them on which to decide for themselves? “A child…has little experience or knowledge upon which to make a response…when confronted with a puzzling situation,” said a knowledgeable source. “He rebels, not because of being opposed, but because he does not know what to do.” ¹ Not knowing what to do, not having been taught, not knowing what is expected is a difficult and puzzling way to live life. Young people need direction from a source that is consistent, and counsel they can count on. What should they do? What shouldn’t they do? What is right _ and what isn’t? With wholesome example, patient teaching and training, a youngster can be expected to arrive at a reasonable right decision _ but without something consistent to measure by there is a footloose frustration. It comes to the question of standards, law, commandments, principles. What is expected? Young people need to know what they can count on. And what measurement, what standards are we going to give them? Parents, let your children know what is expected of them. Teach them, train them. Let them feel your convictions. Let them know what you believe. Teach them honesty, honor, morality; work preparation, responsibility; respect. Teach them reverence, without which life always moves to lower levels. Let them know the purposes and laws of life, and the commandments God has given _ standards to measure by. Don’t abdicate parental responsibility with the all too easy phrase: “Let them decide for themselves” _ without given them standards on which to decide. Don’t leave them footloose in life.