4 Ways to Turn Our Conversations in the Current Culture to Absolute Truth and Biblical Living

7/9/2021

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the head, into Christ." Ephesians 4:15

Recently, during a summer Bible study that I am currently participating in, the ladies and I began discussing the current culture and its very aggressive agenda in regards to absolute truth and biblical living. The group is a mix of ages ranging from young thirties to almost fifty. Our children’s ages range from twenty-somethings to infants.

We covered a few specifics in our time together that have still been running through my mind during my prayer and Bible study time. I'd love to know your thoughts, and how God is using these types of conversations in your motherhood journey.

Have the Hard Conversations Early and With Transparency

From the latest Disney movie to a commercial during an NBA final game, the family, sex, and God’s plan for mankind from the beginning are under assault.

Topics that were once saved for the teen years when my oldest was growing up, now must be addressed from young elementary school ages.

Presenting God’s design can’t be just a Sunday school teacher's role.
We can’t shy away from pointing out the sin that surrounds us.
We can’t let fear cause us to run and hide from Satan’s attacks.
Arming our children with Truth from the beginning is the only defense.

This summer, I am taking my younger set through a study on the book of Ecclesiastes. Discussing the world’s hedonistic mindset has been a very integral part of our time together. As much as I would want to shield them from these delicate and difficult discussions, I can’t.

For too long the church has been in protection and shelter mode. Raising this generation calls for us to be on the offensive. We need to be equipping them before they face these issues so the Enemy will not have any place to let his lies take hold.

Our Conversations Should be Spirit-Led and Filled With Scripture

Part of our struggle, as moms, is when to say things and how much detail we should share.

Teaching unapologetically about the first three chapters of Genesis should be part of our daily mantra.
Pointing to God’s design and all the good that He saw in His creation is a solid foundation.
Referencing to examples of when the world is flying in the face of God’s goodness and His plan is another way to speak the truth in our culture of lies.

Discussing the latest movie and why it is not in line with God’s purpose can give them tools for discerning falsehood on their own. We did this with the most recent Disney release. This is where the Spirit must be our guide.

I am not suggesting that we invite sin into our home. However, showing our children Satan’s strategies for their destruction and talking them through their own heart’s deception is no longer an optional part of raising the next generation.

Allowing the Spirit to guide when, how much, and to what extent we share information will keep us on track with both the maturity level and personalities of our children.

Let's Keep Our Conversations Relevant in This Ever-Changing World

I recently had a conversation with two of my twenty-somethings. They were very open about things that they faced even at a Christian college.

They were astonished at their generation's lack of truth. We talked frankly about things that in my heart I wished they never even had to think about. We mulled over Scriptural responses for friends who were misguided and looked for ways to influence their younger siblings with their examples.

I asked them to keep me posted on things that they are seeing and facing and shared the need for their dad and me to be fully updated on the latest apps, trends, shows, and even literature.

Sin is crouching at our family’s door and we need to be able to be armed and ready.

In Every Conversation There Should Always be Room For Forgiveness and Failure

In the same discussion with my children, there was transparency about times that they were not as bold as they should have been. They were admittedly frustrated with their failings and lack of resolve to be unashamed about God’s truth. I shared with them times when I had fallen. I revealed times where my need for acceptance left me choosing silence over boldness. I very clearly stated that we all fall sometimes. I want them to know that our home is always going to be a place of forgiveness. This generation needs to be held to the truth, but they need to also know there is a standing invitation to admit sin and receive love and encouragement.

God has promised to be all that we need for all times and in every generation.

Ephesians 4:15 says,

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the head, into Christ."

Growing up requires that we keep speaking to our children about the truth of the One who loves them more than anyone else will ever love them. As mothers must continue our growth, and speak to each other in the truth because growth produces further growth. Truth, transparency, and tender forgiveness are necessary ingredients for a home environment where our children will be able to face the culture they have been called to face.