Have you ever said “Do as I say, not as I do.”? Teenagers are very sharp. They watch and listen closely and will quickly determine what we truly believe based on their observations of how we actually behave. They are also hypersensitive to hypocrisy. Actions speak much louder than words. Be sure you are living out what you say is important and true. The world tells them that Christians are hypocrites. Sure there are lots of people at church who are inconsistent. And there are lots of people in their lives that don’t have actions and lives that back up what they say.
Yes, we should be careful what we say and do in front of our children, but we shouldn’t have to work so hard on this one. Live the truth out of a heart that is truly pursuing God. When loving and serving God are the central passions in our lives teaching the truths of God’s Word to our children will be much easier. Consistency is not always easy. If (when) you mess up, make a point of talking about that with your teenager. Let them see your honest humility and ability to admit mistakes. It will help them come to you when they mess up too!
“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him! Proverbs 20:7 (ESV)
Live the Truth in front of them!