Where have all the Children gone?

"Where have all the Children gone?" This is a question I ask myself before I enter my Sunday School Class each Sunday. It seems that each time I enter the room full of 5 and 6 graders that they have learned more about sex and violence then I ever did at their age. The age of innocence has seemingly disappeared in the wave of immorality that is bombarding America's children every day. It is currently estimated that less than 20% of all Children who currently attend church will continue to do so after they grow up and leave home. It is estimated that an even smaller percentage of our youth who are not reached in their youth will attend church after leaving home. By the time that the average child has turned 18, he or she has witnessed countless murders on the television. We all agree that the parents play a part in all of this. However, we must also lay blame upon the Church. Many Churches have little or no Evangalism outreach. Many Youth Groups in churches are designed merely as a distraction for the youth. Biblical principals and values are not being taught to the youth today. My generation, which is quickly approaching it's turn to lead the country, is devoid of character and morals. Our Christian Schools which are supposed to be safe havens for our children, are often nothing more than a public school that teaches the Bible. Why has this come about? I submit to you that there are 3 culprits at blame.
1) The Parents
The Parents which are supposed to be role models for the children have abandoned them. They have ignored a precious gift from God, and will soon pay the consequences. The Parents, who should have taught their children character, have become more concerned with being their child's friend. The Parents, who should have taught morals, have allowed the television to play teacher. Parents no longer discipline their children, rather allowing them to do as they please. They set no boundaries, no limits, and ultimately teach that child that they should do "what is right in their own eyes."

2) The Church. The Church is the second culprit in this tribunal. The Church no longer has any evangalistic zeal, it has lost it's fire, and for that will soon pay the price. They have abandoned many, for the sake of the few. They are more concerned with keeping current members, than with getting new ones. The Church provides a youth group, but it is little more than a daycare or such. Finneyism has invaded the Church, bringing with it apathy, and coldheartedness. The Church is supposed to assist the Parents in bringing up their children, but has abandoned that. And yet, we wonder why our Churches seem to be dying.

3) Hollywood. Hollywood has invaded our culture, bringing with it lessons on sex, violence, lying, stealing. They create a "good guy" who has no morals, no consience, and no character. They insist that they do not cause violence, and yet, one cannot prove or disprove that they do. But do they desensetize us to violence? Yes. And yet, we allow the filth to invade our homes. The dirty jokes brought by today's comedians, the music which sings about killing and drugs and sex, the movies which are the same. Hollywood, although not deserving as much blame as The Parents and The Church, still shoulders huge responsibility.

Where have all the Children gone? Can we get them back? Absolutely. The Bible tells us that God says: "If my people...will humble themselves...I will heal their land"

Lone Wolf