Robert Putman, a social critic, says America is failing its children. He points to the decline in two-parent families affecting Anglo and African American families. He says the decline started in the 1950s as marriage began to be devalued, as families fractured, and as many children began to grow up without their biological fathers. He argues this has led to child poverty, social dysfunction, drug and alcohol abuse, crime, and joblessness, causing children to have little hope of educational, social, and job success. These conditions are even multiplied when fathers are falsely imprisoned. The Bible urges parents to both teach and model moral behavior before our children. If we fail to do so, our children can suffer the consequences of our sins. We learn from Numbers 14, that when ancient Israel rejected God and refused to enter the Promised Land, God said two results would follow: 1) Faithless adults would forever forfeit their chance to enter the land, and 2) their children would wander aimlessly for 40 years in the wilderness as a result of their parents’ disobedience. So let us teach and set good examples for our children so they do not suffer from our selfish behavior.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
