I am as offended, amazed and angry as anyone else about the latest move of the "sodomite-protecting, Christ-hating" federal courts. You and I both know this is just another step in the deliberate, rebellious turning away from GOD that has been taking place in our nation for the last fifty years. But I see some good that can and might come out of this latest episode of insubordination to both our GOD and our constitution. (Romans 8:29)

All along, fathers were to be the corner stone that everything was to be measured from for their family. The example the father lives out before the family is to live on long after he is gone. I would have all men use these four foundational stones from scripture to measure their life-example for the sake of their children, grandchildren and other family members to see if they are truly being an example of Christ-likeness. It is abundantly clear that if our children are to know anything about GOD, His word and His true place in the daily life of our nation -- If they are to know their heritage, NOW the parents will have to teach it to them. We now know that the government, it's officials and bureaucrats are not going to be honest about the constitution, our rights or our history. Fathers and mothers will now have to develop the traditions, godly habits and heritage of truth for their families themselves. You can no longer expect anything but harassment and hostility from your government leaders. These are egomaniacal men in rebellion against GOD and the next step will be for us to all bow down to the "golden obelisk" when we hear the music play.(Daniel 3:1-7)

Develop in your children the godly habit of walking in the spirit of GOD in all aspects of life. The mistake most people make is trying to live part of their life out from under the authority and control of the Holy Spirit. Make it plain by the way you live that you are not trying to have a life apart from GOD. Make sure the godly ethics of the ten commandments are clearly seen in your business practices. Make sure of your politicalaffiliations. If you are a Christian you have no business supporting some of the ungodly positions many of these politicians hold. Another very important part of your life before your children is your personal tastes in leisure time activities. After knowing about what is taking place at Disney World, how can you support that company by taking your family there for a vacation?

Develop in your children a tradition of teaching and learning. Let it be a habit to point out right and wrong according to GOD'S Word in day to day events. We make a terrible mistake when we fail to teach the absolute truths from GOD'S Word about these everyday events. This is especially true about something as basic as the ten commandments. Your theological understandings and beliefs must come from the scriptures, but you don't have to be a scholar to teach truth to your children. Remember, your children need to know how your understandings and beliefs impact your relationship with the LORD. They already know how you stand on every day issues in the community.

Develop the habit of having a calm prevailing spirit. The mistake most parents make today is letting their frustration with the circumstances of the moment cause them to provoke their children to wrath. (Eph. 6:4) The all important questions are, "Do you take the time to be consistent with your children?" "Do you allow for them to have times to express themselves even when you know what they are about to say is wrong or foolishness?" "Do you use these times as opportunities to teach, or do you just depend on your authority to bring them in to line?" Just because they are young does not mean that they do not feel frustration or embarrassment the same way adults do.

Develop the heritage of truth that all men should have a thankful spirit. The mistake of not being "Thankful to GOD, before your children, for all of your blessings" is one of the most harmful oversights a parent can make. (1 Thess. 5:18) This can lead to a child growing up believing that everything is "their due." They will be unhappy because they think that, "yes, the song is about them." Remember, "Life is not all about fun, they'll grow up never taking anything serious, thinking life is all about fun. It's not about learning to be gracious winners, they'll grow up not knowing how to deal with the losses that are sure to come into every life. Life is also not about learning to lose, they will grow up to be comfortable with losing and you don't want to teach them that. Life, just like sports, is about "discipline." That includes being grateful that one is able to compete. Do your children regularly hear you praise GOD and thank Him for even the "small" blessings in life? Do your children regularly hear you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness and thank GOD for being so merciful in His dealings with you? Have you thanked GOD that He has prevented your past mistakes from doing any more damage in your life than they have? Parents, you need to start to do these things and your children need to hear it more than they need to see the "Ten Commandments" in the halls of government. It's never been the government's job to develop this in your children, but now it's clear, "Your government is against you in this."

Ed Anthony