Fourth, we live in a society of high profile-bondage to "addictions," such as alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, immoral sex, violence, food, work, television, exercise, money, pleasure, sports, and so on. The human tendency toward willing slavery has never had a more diverse supermarket of options...We must reclaim spiritual warfare.

Frank Sinatra croons in my ear that “I did it my way”, while Oprah Winfrey just tells me directly: “You are the author of your own life”. This feels empowering–at least, it feels that way as long as things are going smoothly, according to my plan. But what happens when the plot twists off in a direction I didn’t tell it to go?

Sometimes we would prefer to die for Jesus than to live for him...The threat of torture might make some think twice, but I think most Christians would acknowledge Christ regardless. However, if making a decision for Jesus means possibly spending years being unpopular, ignored, poor, or criticized, then many temporarily put their faith on the shelf.

"What is the problem you ask?" The problem is this: Your child's needs are far more profound than his aberrant behavior. Remember, his behavior does not just spring forth uncaused. His behavior - the things he says and does - reflects his heart. If you are to really help him, you must be concerned with the attitudes of heart that drive his behavior.