Many parents are hard pressed to explain to their children why some music, movies, books and magazines are not acceptable material for them to bring into the home or to listen to or see. One parent came up with an original idea that is hard to refute. The father listened to all the reasons his children gave for wanting to see a particular PG-13 movie. It had their favorite actors. Everyone else was seeing it. Even church members said it was great. It was only rated PG-13 because of sexual innuendo — they never really showed it.
The language was “pretty good” — the Lord’s name was only used in vain three times in the whole movie. The teens did admit there was a scene where a bunch of people were blown up, but the violence was just the normal stuff. And, even if there were a few minor things, the special effects
were fabulous and the plot was great. However, even with all the justifications the teens made for the rating, the father still refused. He did not even give his children an explanation for saying, “No.” He just said, “No!” A little later on that evening the father asked his teens if they would like some brownies he had baked. He explained that he had taken the family’s favorite recipe and added a little something new.
The children asked what it was. The father calmly replied that he had added dog vomit. However, he quickly assured them, it was only a little bit. All other ingredients were perfect quality and he had taken great care to bake the brownies at the precise temperature for the exact time. He was sure the brownies would be superb. Even with their father’s promise that the brownies were of almost perfect quality, the teens would not “bite.” The father acted surprised. After all, it was only one small part that was causing them to be so stubborn. He was certain they would hardly notice it. Still, the teens held firm and would not try the brownies.
The father then told his children how the movie they wanted to see was just like the brownies. Our minds lure us into believing that just a little bit of evil will not matter. But, the truth is even a little bit of vomit makes the difference between a great treat and something disgusting. The father went on to explain that even though the movie industry would have us believe that most of today’s movies are acceptable for viewing, they are not. Now, when this father’s children want to see a questionable movie, the father merely asks them if they would like some of his “special” brownies. That closes the subject. What will you allow in your mind this year?
Anonymous
