outh today are fascinated by the things of this world. Whether it be the crazy
    antics of Hollywood celebrities, the over-indulgences of the rich and famous, the
    bizarre supernatural powers of occult practitioners, animal psychics, dog whisperers,
    ghost hunters and the like, and any kid who knows how to channel-surf will find
    countless examples of this phenomena.
            They have become voyeuristic in their desire to vicariously live their lives through
    the reality channels– to see what its really like to be a  New York nanny or a bored
    Orange County housewife. What is the appeal of spending countless hours watching
    catty women lose all hope of dignity trying to win the love of a bachelor, who is a
    complete stranger, for the dubious reward of a glamorous wedding and some cash?
            This seems truly mind-boggling when you think about a generation that is
    supposedly much more educated than our forefathers and yet millions of these so
    called enlightened young people find gratification three times a week or more
    watching "Wrestle-mania", with steroid-pumped sweating bodies wrestling in
    choreographed, poorly acted and predictable matches?
            Even worse is the deluge of graphically violent and blood soaked horror movies
    that cover video rental shelves revealing a seemingly insatiable desire for each
    production to be more wicked and shocking than the last.
             Why are they so fascinated by the ridiculous and the barbaric?
    First let’s look at the meaning of the word.  To Fascinate means to attract and hold the
    close interest of, to captivate, charm and enchant. The word Fascination is defined as, a
    very strong attraction, charm, enchantment.
            Do any of these words ring any spiritual alarms? They should. In the same
    dictionary I found the definition of witchery to read, witchcraft, sorcery, the power to
    charm, fascination. We need to understand that the source of the world’s fascination
    and pull on the young people is not coming from the Spirit of God! We need to wake
    up as parents and youth leaders and realize that we are up against powers and
    principalities that want to take captive and deceive the hearts and the minds of our
    children.
            What can we do to combat this? First and foremost, we need to repent of our
    own fascination! I admit I have fallen prey to this enchantment. I am constantly
    battling the pull to “veg-out” in front ofthe TV set after a long and stressful day.
            However, in raising my own kids, I have found three strategies  guaranteed to
    undermine the enemies devices and protect them from falling victim to the
    enchantment of today’s world. While I have normal kids living in mainstream life and
    who have even watched some of these shows, (Leana loves watching American Idol, or
    any televised talent show and well, my 11 year old son Josiah is how I know about the
    wrestling soap opera!), they remain aware and discerning of the deceptions that many
    of the programs portray and are able to protect themselves from being caught up in
    their influence.
            The following principles will help your kids develop the discernment needed to
    identify the lies of this world and to give them the ability to make wise decisions on
    what they should or should not allow in their hearts.

    1. Instill the Truth:
            The word instill means to put in or introduce gradually little by little. We need to be
    constantly looking for opportunities to instill God’s truth into our everyday life. You can
    ask my kids that whenever they ask a simple question, I always give them a long
    answer. Leana jokingly tells her friends to be careful what they ask me because I will
    always teach them a moral or a truth with every question they ask.
            I have learned that morning drives to school are great times to input life’s truths
    and principals. Also kids are never too old to tuck in to bed! Even teens will start
    opening up when you sit down with them and talk at the close of the day. It is a very
    precious and special time without distractions or interruptions.

    2. Instruct in Godly Wisdom:
            The word instruct means to provide with knowledge, information or skill, to teach. It
    is one of our primary purposes as parents to instruct our children on the way that they
    should go and our promise from God is that they won't depart from it later in life.
            I always love to take the problems of life and use it as an opportunity to
    introduce Godly wisdom into the decision making process of young people. This is a
    time to teach them how to pray and seek God in everyday life. Its a way to let them
    know that He cares about them and wants what's best for them. It introduces
    intimacy and quietness in order to hear God’s voice through prayer and the Word. It
    teaches them to trust in God's wisdom, even though it may go against what many of
    their peers are doing.
                    
    3. Inspire Faith:         
            To Inspire is to have a rousing effect or influence on; stimulate, stir; to be the force
    or influence that results in something. There is no greater joy than to see your Godly
    influence have an effect on your children or the youth that are under your leadership.
           As we walk our kids through the above processes, we will begin to watch their
    faith grow! As we instill God’s truth in their hearts and instruct them in God’s Wisdom
    in their decisions, they will be inspired in their faith as they see God's hand moving in
    their lives.
            We also need to be found praising God for his answers, his provision and
    direction. When we have a victory, Let them catch us giving God the glory. When we
    are down, Let them hear us count our blessings. These are all the faith building blocks
    that will develop the character and strength that they will need to face the challenges
    of this life in their world!
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