I think I saw it the first time during the Olympics coverage and it rankled immediately.
"Fearless kids aren't born; they're made," says the new Universal Studios ad. And how are they "made?" Evidently, if you send your children to that amusement park, you will make them strong, fearless, and brave. Are you kidding me?
While it is true that fearless kids are not born, we are a pretty sad lot if we think turning them over to these folks will make them fit for a life that usually has its share of tragedy and hardship. On the contrary, too many of our kids who are raised on amusement parks and entertainment in general tend to think themselves "entitled"—entitled to fun and toys of all sorts, even if it bankrupts the family or destroys any semblance of family time. Then when the inevitable hardship occurs, they turn into unstable mush.
I would hope that Christian parents know better. The Bible tells us how to be fearless, and it also tells us that it is our responsibility to raise those souls God has entrusted to us and no one else, certainly not Universal Studios.
You start by teaching them about God. God is your shield, Gen 15:1, you tell them. He is your light, your salvation, your stronghold, Psa 27:1. He will not leave you or forsake you, Deut 31:6. How can you be afraid when you know that?
You are important to Him, important enough for Him to give His Son to save you, John 3:16. He offers you redemption Isa 43:1. He finds you valuable, Matt 10:31. Like Daniel, if you remain true to him you are "greatly loved," Dan 10:19. When was the last time you neglected something that valuable to you? Never, probably, and that's the way it is with God, too.
He will hear your prayers, Dan 10:12, and he will bless you, giving you a hope others in the world do not have, 1 Pet 3:14. Why should you "fear their fear" 1 Pet 3:14?
Then you set the example yourselves. Act like someone who is fearless, someone who trusts God in every situation, even when you do not understand and things look grim. Show your child trust, show him courage, show him that you believe all those things you have been telling him all his life, and act like someone who isn't afraid of anything. You aren't afraid because you know where you stand with God, and that is the key. Why be afraid of anything else in this life if you know who is on your side, and where you are going when it's over?
No amusement park in the world can make a fearless kid out of your child. Only you can. If you want to go there for a visit, that's fine, but don't fall for the guff. You are the one God will hold accountable.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa 41:10)
Dene Ward
"Fearless kids aren't born; they're made," says the new Universal Studios ad. And how are they "made?" Evidently, if you send your children to that amusement park, you will make them strong, fearless, and brave. Are you kidding me?
While it is true that fearless kids are not born, we are a pretty sad lot if we think turning them over to these folks will make them fit for a life that usually has its share of tragedy and hardship. On the contrary, too many of our kids who are raised on amusement parks and entertainment in general tend to think themselves "entitled"—entitled to fun and toys of all sorts, even if it bankrupts the family or destroys any semblance of family time. Then when the inevitable hardship occurs, they turn into unstable mush.
I would hope that Christian parents know better. The Bible tells us how to be fearless, and it also tells us that it is our responsibility to raise those souls God has entrusted to us and no one else, certainly not Universal Studios.
You start by teaching them about God. God is your shield, Gen 15:1, you tell them. He is your light, your salvation, your stronghold, Psa 27:1. He will not leave you or forsake you, Deut 31:6. How can you be afraid when you know that?
You are important to Him, important enough for Him to give His Son to save you, John 3:16. He offers you redemption Isa 43:1. He finds you valuable, Matt 10:31. Like Daniel, if you remain true to him you are "greatly loved," Dan 10:19. When was the last time you neglected something that valuable to you? Never, probably, and that's the way it is with God, too.
He will hear your prayers, Dan 10:12, and he will bless you, giving you a hope others in the world do not have, 1 Pet 3:14. Why should you "fear their fear" 1 Pet 3:14?
Then you set the example yourselves. Act like someone who is fearless, someone who trusts God in every situation, even when you do not understand and things look grim. Show your child trust, show him courage, show him that you believe all those things you have been telling him all his life, and act like someone who isn't afraid of anything. You aren't afraid because you know where you stand with God, and that is the key. Why be afraid of anything else in this life if you know who is on your side, and where you are going when it's over?
No amusement park in the world can make a fearless kid out of your child. Only you can. If you want to go there for a visit, that's fine, but don't fall for the guff. You are the one God will hold accountable.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa 41:10)
Dene Ward
RSS Feed