Ever hear that saying “you are what you eat?” I have recently learned of the fact that we become what we behold as well. That what we watch, what we listen to all have an impact on our characters just as much if not more than what we eat.
Look at this world and all of the violence, degradation and moral confusion. How did it get this way? Media. Television. Violent video games. Even commercials have an influence upon us. It is hard to avoid the barrage of images and false news etc.
I have come to realize that what we behold we will become. What is the definition of behold: To perceive through sight or apprehension, to gaze upon, observe. What does this mean in the grand scheme of things? For a child who is allowed to watch violent movies or play violent video games, they will begin to act like the characters they see or pretend to be in the games they play. They emulate what they see and interact with on a constant basis.
Just as a child will emulate the friends they hang out with. Let’s say little Joey has a best friend named Bart who has learned to steal. Bart shows Joey how exciting it is to get away with stealing candy or a video game. Joey knows it is wrong yet he doesn’t want his best friend to call him a chicken and so goes along with it. A new thief is born.
Joey then learns how to lie. This is only the beginning of a parents sorrows. soon Bart may introduce Joey to drugs as well. All three of these things go hand in hand, and it all began with Joey choosing the wrong friend. How many parents really get to know their kids friends? It should begin as soon as they enter a public school.
How can parents keep their kids from learning these things to begin with? By making good choices in what they are allowed to watch. By banning violent video games and replacing them with educational tools that nurture a young mind, not corrupt it. It is very difficult in this world we now live in but not impossible.
If the video game is never brought into a home to begin with, if your child’s friends parents are made known that this is off limits with your child…perhaps YOUR choices are a mitigating factor. Having a circle of friends who share the same values in living and raising children are very important.
Too many times have I heard and have said my own self “If only …” It is not wrong to monitor what your children are watching and doing. Especially online. Here is a good question: At what age should a child be allowed to have a smart phone? I have seen kids as young as 3 playing on smartphones. Is this aiding in their mental development or merely keeping them occupied?
The younger a child is introduced to technology the less they learn how to interact on a personal level with other people. These days people choose texting over calling. I dislike texting, because more times than not what is said is taken OUT of context and arguments ensue. At least when you are on the phone the tone of ones voice is clear.
When children are subjected to the endless displays of not only violence but the degradation of simple moral values, what shall they become? It is do as they see not what they are told. Role models are important in this, because do as I say, not as I do has been proven wrong over and over again. Children will not do what they are told unless they have a good reason to accept that what you say is best for them.
Who was the greatest role model that ever lived? Jesus. He not only taught how to live but he himself lived the life he taught others to live. Jesus should be the one we all seek to emulate. If we did, then this world would not be as it is now. Violent and corrupt, bankrupt of all that is good and pleasant in God’s eyes.
Keep that in mind. Until next time, make each and every day count for something!
L.A.Pluth
