In a community filled with broken families, and with children that are being raised in single parent homes, there is an urgent need for mentoring. The Bible states that if you train up a child in the way he should go, when he’s old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). Children do not normally grow into mature, disciplined and virtuous adults on their own. Traits such as good character and self control must be taught and reinforced by example. I believe that one of the main reasons we are seeing such destructive behavior from our youth, and such immaturity from so many of our young adults, is the lack of discipline and training they have suffered as a result of growing up in broken homes.
[coll_text max_font_size=”30″ min_font_size=”25″]Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6[/coll_text]
The sad reality to all of this is that, in our community, broken families are all too normal. The sad consequences of this state of affairs are all around us. We are now living with a generation of people whose way of settling minor disputes is to pull guns and fire bullets. A generation which values name brand shoes and stylish material things over education. A generation which flips it’s finger at such age old values as respect for elderly people, the sanctity of marriage and delayed gratification. We have a generation of children and young adults who need to be taught these timeless values all over again.
Unfortunately, in too many of the homes in our community, it’s just not happening, and it’s not always because the parents lack the desire to, but because many of them have never been equipped to do it. Here is where mentors can step in and help. There are many of us from the community whom God has blessed to enjoy stability and success in our lives. Our young people need to see our successes and hear our stories. We need to come along side of these young people and share with them the wise and biblical principles which lead to success in life. I have read about churches which have adopted various inner city schools and have partnered with those schools to provide mentoring for boys and girls, the results have been very rewarding. One thing I’ve learned from my experience mentoring young boys at an Elementary school here in Detroit, is that many of these kids highly appreciate the time we spend with them. Many of these kids are starving for adult attention and guidance. Mentoring youth from our local schools, churches and neighborhoods is a wonderful way to make a difference today for a better tomorrow.