Little Squeaks Can Mean Big Problems

I recently took my 1982 Datsun to get an irritating noise checked out. I knew I was in trouble when the mechanic called and asked if I was sitting down. His estimate: $802. In this case, the cost of fixing the vehicle exceeded its value. More to the point, the squeak I assumed would require just a quick adjustment was symptomatic of a need for major restoration.

Our kids will emit occasional “squeaks” that indicate a need for spiritual adjustments. If we’re sensitive to them, these issues can be handled rather quickly at minimal cost. A word of encouragement. A hug. A prayer. That may be all it takes to shift a young person back into high gear. But sometimes these indicators are as foreboding as the dreaded oil light. One of those spiritual gauges involves entertainment.

Prior to my chapel message to Christian school students in Minnesota, the administration surveyed grades 6-12. One question asked for examples of inappropriate entertainment. A high percentage of the students said things that indicated trouble under the hood. Here are a few of the “squeaks” I heard:

• Nothing is totally inappropriate.
• Undecided.
• NOTHING.
• Nothing made for entertainment is too inappropriate. It’s all fun.
• Absolutely nothing.

When asked how to tell if it’s OK for a Christian to listen to a song, watch a TV show or movie, or play a video game, comments included the following:

• There is no way. Anyone can listen to whatever they want [an Eminem lyric was penned next to this student’s response].
• I love all music, from Bach to Slipknot. It doesn’t affect you if you don’t let it.
• I watch and listen to whatever appeals to me.… My mom doesn’t really mind.
• It’s only entertainment. They should be able to decide. Anything’s OK.
• I’ve become so accustomed to [entertainment that] not much phases me anymore. But I know it does affect me a lot.

At the risk of sounding harsh, these Christian teens need a tune-up. Their value systems are misfiring. You just heard the knocks and pings of this world’s hollow and deceptive philosophies (Col. 2:8). But who’s going to get their hands dirty? Perhaps their parents are hoping the Christian school will. Or the church. That’s assuming mom and dad even know there’s a problem.

With my old clunker, I’ve decided the best option is a trade-in. But we can’t trade in our children. We work to fix ’em no matter what it takes and no matter what the expense. I’d like to encourage you to schedule the following maintenance:

• A spiritual inspection. Paul commands us, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5, NIV). There’s no higher calling than making sure our children are living radical, vibrant lives of faith. How do we find out? You can begin with the question I posed to the students: What are examples of inappropriate entertainment? Then be more direct in asking about their spiritual life and relationship with Jesus.
• A spiritual tune-up. There are many ways to grow in Christ. Beyond prayer, fellowship and Bible study, I’m big on two things: summer camp and mission trips. As a youth pastor and father, I’ve learned the value of a spiritually strong camping program. And last year my family went on a mission trip to South America. These events can breathe new life into one’s faith. Attend a Christian music festival together. Go to a seminar on apologetics, or take part in a mentoring program.

If you hear an entertainment squeak or two, such as “I’m tired of Christian music” or “A lot of my friends say gangsta rap has helped them relate to urban suffering,” probe deeper to find out if you’re in for a minor tune-up or a major overhaul. A little preventative maintenance may be just the thing to head off much bigger problems!

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