No one can escape fear, it is a feeling that everyone experiences, no matter how big or small you are. Fear is both beneficial (positive) and harmful (negative), which we would all like to avoid. Good fear protects our lives, provides vigilance and wisdom on how to protect ourselves; and the negative paralyzes, depresses, and takes away the strength and determination to move forward. 

Interestingly, we live in the safest times, when medicine, science, and education are as advanced as they have ever been before. But even now, scientists studying the 21st century speak and write that this age and today’s culture is the most intense time of fear. Fear arises from not knowing the answers to fundamental human questions: what is my past? Who am I now? What awaits me in the future? The outlook for the future is extremely vague for man today, with so much talk about global warming, uncontrollable diseases and uncontrollable viruses, an unprecedented economic downturn and so on. What awaits us in the future? What awaits our children? How much longer can this land live? What will happen tomorrow and in 30 years? 

Unfortunately, no science or doctors have answers to these questions. At this point, I would like to emphasize that this era is not only the age of the greatest progress, but also the age of the greatest disbelief. When so strongly attached to new inventions, technologies, and the power of the mind, which is not in itself any evil, human nature, its purpose, and the importance of believing in God as the Creator and authority of the universe are mentioned and forgotten here. Lack or absence of faith causes the growth of fear and ignorance in the lives of all of us, which leads to increasing manifestations of anxiety attacks, fear, depression. The only faith in God, His Word, His sacrifice on the cross, His childish hope can overcome and dispel all oppressive fears. We must not forget that man is created for communication with God, such is the purpose of our life – to be and talk to our Creator every day, to communicate on all matters of concern to us. Trust him more than a doctor or teacher, a neighbour or even a friend. 

Faith arises from reading God’s Word and grows through regular abiding in Him and close fellowship with God in prayer. The great men or women of the faith recorded in the Bible experienced many fears and hardships, but their gaze did not stop there: Abraham, who later became the Father and example of the faith of all Jews and Christians, trusted in God’s call, left the safe land of his fathers and went into the unknown, only believing the promise that God will show, “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your land, your kindreds, your fathers’ houses, and go to the land which I will show you. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12: 1-2). Anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king, David was persecuted for many years and hid in caves from King Saul, suffering many wrongs and losses, so he wrote, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34: 4). “The LORD is my light and my salvation: what shall I fear? The LORD is my strength: and why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27: 1). When the people of Israel were spoiled, and suffered in fear, then God said to them: “But now, this is what the LORD says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze’ “ (Isaiah 43: 1-2). In all situations, God came and supernaturally saved those who trusted in Him. 

Today God has remained and is doing the same – He wants to help every wounded or frightened heart, to answer your biggest questions and fears, to give hope where there seems to be no hope left. Jesus says, “I have not come to destroy life. I came to the rescue. I came to liberate. I came not to take away life. I came to have life, to have it in abundance.” 

My only understanding is that in the face of my greatest fears, I must choose faith in Christ, who is in control of everything and can resolve and control any situation; can give me hope and a way to act even in the most unpredictable way. Instead of fear of tomorrow, the economic crisis, my family or children, and perhaps the future of the country, I choose communion and prayer with God, and He provides heavenly peace and supernatural security for an unpredictable tomorrow and a fragile future. In the face of our greatest fears, let us delve into God, His Word, His nearness – from there comes true peace, wise decisions, and victories. “Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is your help and your shield” (Psalm 115: 11). 

Jūratė Kapačinskienė

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“Moses grew up and became a man. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose not to enjoy the pleasures of sin that last such a short time. Instead, he chose to suffer with God’s people. He did this because he had faith. He thought it was better to suffer for the Messiah than to have all the treasures of Egypt. He was waiting for the reward that God would give him. Moses left Egypt because he had faith. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. He continued strong as if he could see the God no one can see.” (Hbr 11, 24-27).

The author of the book of Hebrews tells us that Moses chose to give up life as a prince of Egypt “for the sake of Christ” (11:26). Many people read that and wonder how Moses knew about Christ since he lived fifteen hundred years before Jesus. I’ll tell you how: Moses knew by faith. He trusted God. As the Passover lambs were being slaughtered, it was a foreshadowing of the death of Christ. And Moses had faith that if God could save His people from the tenth plague by the blood of livestock, He could also save them from their sins. 

Faith not only saved Moses, it helped him to choose obedience. You see, when we give up the pleasures of this world in order to follow Christ, the road is never easy. Moses discovered this to be true in the wilderness as he led the stubborn, complaining Israelites for forty years. Faith is what sustained him. Faith is the key. 

If you study the gospels, you’ll notice that Jesus never praised His disciples for their power, their wisdom, or their passion. But at times, He did praise them for their faith. Faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain and hurl it into the middle of the sea. Faith casts out demons. Faith makes God’s power manifest in the darkest of circumstances. Moses had this sort of faith, and by it, he could trust God to fulfil His promises, even those that were a long way off. 

Prayer: Father, I want to develop deep faith in You. Help me to reflect on Your goodness and faithfulness. May I remember Your sure promises to strengthen my faith and choose to obey You even when the task is hard. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

 ”He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:26). 

Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

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In the late 1960’s, one song simply titled Respect, launched the meteoric career of a young artist from Tennessee and raced to the top of the music charts.  Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding a few months prior to Aretha Franklin’s lively rendition, the song has become an anthem for people all over the world.  It’s a soulful, popular song that addresses a topic all men, women, and children struggle with—disrespect.  

For most of us, I don’t have to describe what it looks like.  We’ve seen it or felt in one way or another over the years from people who do not know how to be polite or kind.  And sadly, for some, disrespect is a way of life.  But!  It doesn’t have to be that way for you and your family.  You can address disrespect and train or re-train your child on how to be respectful, even in their teen years.  It’s your goal as a parent to teach your children about respect in the earlier years so that you can help train them on it in their teen and adolescent years.  To learn more, read on because we’ll be addressing the six things every parent needs to know about teens and respect.  

Six Things to Know  

As I mentioned before, respect doesn’t happen on its own.  It has to be taught and trained.  Mandates of “you will respect me,” will not only be met with resistance, they’ll be ignored.  Wisdom is gathered through observation, reflection, and experience.  So, how your child observes you interact with the world and the people in it, will cause them to reflect on what they saw, and then that reflection will trickle down to how they experience relationships.  So, if we are respectful with and of others, then our children will pick up how to be respectful, too.  

The first step is realizing that respect is foundational.  If you don’t treat someone with admiration and affection, you won’t have a good relationship.  And the key to this is that it starts with you, mom and dad, not your child.  Consider how you’ve modeled disrespect for others.  How do you treat your spouse?  Your boss?  Your friends?  And then consider how you treat authority.  There’s no lack of poor examples in this arena.  So, what are you modelling for your kids?  

Next, you have to know that you can’t bully your child into giving you respect.  Respect must be earned.  It must be mutual, but so many parents don’t understand that concept because they have an authoritative idea of what parenting should look like.  The old “do as I say,” model is outdated and based on a model of fear.  It only leaves your teen feeling humiliated and resentful and fear is not a motivator.  Nor does it have any place in healthy relationships.  

Disrespect is the tell-tale sign that something is wrong in your relationship.  Respect grows out of relationship.  So, you need to ask yourself, what am I doing to keep my child from respecting me?  Matthew 7:5 tells us to pull the log out of our own eye before looking at the speck in our brother’s eye.  Your child is your brother or sister in Christ, so act accordingly.  It should go without saying that you don’t get to an abnormal place by having normal circumstances, so, please consider how you have contributed in causing your child’s hurt or trauma.  

Respect doesn’t happen on its own.  This is the time to really engage and go after your child’s heart.  Find out what has happened and come up with strategies to change it moving forward – and stick with it.  A lack of respect can have devastating consequences for generations to come!  

Talk about it!  Talking about respect and disrespect is healthy and when you can name the ways you’ve been disrespectful and how you’re going to change, you’re opening the door for your teenager to do the same.  

Don’t let disrespect fester.  If you don’t spend time pursuing respect, disrespect will blossom and eventually take over your life and your family.  It may not be easy, but it’s worth it!  So, keep at it.  

Some Practical Tips to Consider  

Respect is the cornerstone of any relationship.  Respecting someone means being polite and kind to someone, even when they may have a different opinion, or when they like something that you do not.  

Respect is not merely given in words, but is communicated in body language and attitudes, as well.  So, be sure to think before you speak and act.  

Create the rules you want to communicate.  

Give it time.  Keep moving forward, but know that if you’ve dug a hole, it’s going to take time and patience to pull yourself out.  

Accept your faults, apologize, and move on to make changes.  Each day we’re given is another day to make a positive difference.  

If your child is spinning out of control, remind them that you’re there for them.  Don’t engage in shouting matches and don’t shame them because shaming has never produced one great relationship.  

Finally, and most importantly, communicate with your teen.  Tell them you love them and that you’re on their side.  

Conclusion  

Mom, Dad … respect within your home is probably the most important feeling of admiration that must be conveyed by actions and communicated by words.  Initially, it begins with the example that you set before your children and then develops into opportunities to show respect amidst conflict and difficulties.  Respect is the one essential element of a home that provides the stage for all other aspects of interaction.  Disrespect destroys relationships and if you’ve been disrespectful to your teens, then admit your attitude and begin a new path that is based on respect of all people.  Your kids will one day thank you for your example and the requirements that you made of each family member.  

To learn more, visit  ParentingTodaysTeens.org 

Markas Gregstonas, “Parenting today’s teens” founder

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