Once when our kids were in high school, we attended a party with other families. Nice people, but I felt we were the only ones there who were followers of Jesus.
About eight teenagers had gone to the far side of the house to watch a movie. I asked the parent, whose home we were in, what they were watching. He assured me it was some comedy—he was sure it was fine.
I decided to meander to the other side of the house and take a peek. The room was dark. I stood and I watched it with them for five minutes. BAD.
Yes it was a comedy, but it was bad.
I then spoke in a loud, commanding voice, “Matthew and Elizabeth, we don’t watch movies like this! I want both of you to stand up NOW and walk out of the room with me.”
My kids immediately stood and quietly walked out of the room. Suddenly the lights came on and everyone else quietly followed us out as well.
I found it interesting that our kids were not embarrassed over my action.
In fact, they were relieved.
- I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. Psalm 101:3
Kudos to you Kathleen! I also found it interesting that all the other kids left, too, when they could have chosen to stay irregardless of what someone else’s mother told her teens. Sounds like your actions rescued the whole group! Now, I wonder what the host parent thought about this?
The host parents? They they were glad to learn the kids stopped watching something offensive. God is good!
Way to go, Kathleen. As Christian parents, we must not be passive. Our children don’t always want our involvement, but God knows they need it.
Absolutely, Frank! They DO need our involvement and later appreciate it.