Saw this headline in the news today:


When I read it, I wasn't totally surprised. Most in our community would say that our teenage years are the ones filled with more rebellion and self-centeredness than others. But it's these "no-one's-going-to-tell-me-what-to-do" teenage years, if unrepented of, that produce adults who go on to lie, steal and cheat - but with your 401(k) savings, instead.

Not what I believe our founding fathers had in mind when they settled this great land.

There were a few surprises in the article that I found alarming:

Despite no significant gender differences on exam cheating, students from non-religious independent schools had the lowest cheating rate, 47 percent, compared to 63 percent of students attending religious schools.

"As bad as these numbers are, it appears they understate the level of dishonesty exhibited by America's youth," the study warned, noting than more than a fourth of the students (26 percent) admitted they had lied on at least one or two of the survey questions.

"Despite these high levels of dishonesty, these same kids have a high self-image when it comes to ethics."

Some 93 percent of students indicated satisfaction with their own character and ethics, with 77 percent saying that "when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know."

The independent study properly pointed out that the resulting information "doesn't bode well for the future when these youngsters become the next generation's politicians and parents, cops and corporate executives, and journalists and generals."

The article made me think of one of the lessons in the kids' Polite Moments book I've blogged about previously. With so much biblical wisdom in this little book, maybe we should find a way to get it into the schools' curriculum to help bring some balance in training tomorrow's adults. Better yet, as believing parents, let's make sure we're training our own children.

"I Will Be Back In Six Hours"

Having left you a list of jobs to do, your employer leaves for the rest of the day. Your work while not being watched should be work that pleases the Lord. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Col. 3:23

Do your jobs thoroughly in the order in which you are expected to do them. Your emplyoyer should be able to trust you to work alone because you have endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Heb 11:27 Prov. 15:3

While your employer is absent, you have many unspoken responsibilities. Stay alert as you work, and be aware of what is going on around you. Whereas before you had someone to turn to in time of trouble, now you may be required to make more serious decisions if something goes wrong. Gen 39:4 Be ready to answer the phone, to meet someone at the door, or to take on other responsibilities as necessary. Prov. 25:19

WHO THEN IS A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? BLESSED IS THAT SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND SO DOING. Matthew 24:45,46