Family Life: A Teenager’s Place (Part 2)

The second concept we want to consider, in regards to family life, is the implementing of integrity in the home. Let’s consider the Biblical example of Joseph.

Genesis 39:1-11 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

We are dealing with a teenager’s place in the family. Although this Biblical example is not in the home, I believe his integrity was developed many years before this. How do we instill integrity into a young person so that when they are faced with strong temptation, they can resist?

Do not tolerate a lying tongue. There are countless Scriptures which indicate God’s intolerance to a lying tongue. You cannot allow a lying tongue in your home. This must start at a very early age. I would recommend disciplining a lying tongue in a strong way. In dealing with folks who despise God, I have learned that lying is not an issue with them. They have no conscience when it comes to twisting the facts and misrepresenting the truth. They have no “integrity.” Some fathers in Christian homes are raising a similar generation. Do not allow your sons or daughters to pull the wool over your eyes and lie to you without consequences. I have had folks say that we should have mercy and grace in our homes. I agree with this, but mercy should not start with the acceptance of lying. This is contrary to God’s standard given to us in His Word. Discipline for lying should be swift and unforgettable! Having them read their Bible or talking your young person to death is not discipline. A young person knows that if they endure the spiritual rant and they act like they are spiritual by putting on some tears, or if they go to their room and read their Bible, that you will be buffaloed into thinking your son is now John WESLEY!! God hates lying and, actually, a parent that excuses lying is displeasing God. I have never read in the Scriptures where God disciplined lying with Bible reading or a long talk. It was action. Consider the following Biblical examples: Garden of Eden–they were kicked out of the garden for lying; Jacob–the supplanter was punished by having to work for fourteen years for his wife; King Saul–lied about obeying God to the prophet Samuel and he lost the kingdom; Annanias and Sapphira–lied and both died on the spot. Parents, we cannot be soft on lying. It develops a deceptive character!