"Sister Cerullo, have I lost control as a parent? I can't sleep because I feel so unequipped to deal with my kids. They're growing up to be so self-centered and are heavily influenced by their non-Christian friends. What can I do?"

Perhaps one answer can be found in a teacher's story: "At Christmas, the mother asked her little girl, 'Do you want to go buy a present for Monica?' 'No,' the child replied, 'I want to buy a present for me.'

"The mother was alarmed because the child showed concern only for herself. 'Should I force her to go?' the mother asked. 'No,' I told her, 'Set the example. Tell her that you're going shopping for the gift: 'Would she like to come?'"

Set the example. Many times God warns us that children imitate the attitude and the behaviors they see in us. He says: "...think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. Tie them on the doorposts of your house!" (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, TLB).

Let's face it, children will "follow the leader." It's never too late for God to work through the words you speak and the example you set. You may not see fruit for a season, but rest assured, it will come! No word of God returns void!

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the children You have given me, and for victory in the spiritual challenges which are ahead. Help me to seek Your wisdom, courage and understanding with my children. Thank you that with You I don't need to resort to worldly solutions. Teach me to plant Your Word daily, both in my actions and in my speech. In Jesus' Name, Amen.