Dear Cousin Polly,
My parents keep talking smack over the music I like. My youth pastor likes this music, too, so why can’t the old folks get over it, and remember that their parents probably didn’t like what they were listening to, either? –Jeremy, Illinois
Dear Jeremy,
You need to talk to your parents and find out what they think and why they are saying it. If they told you to get rid of some music, it might not be because they don’t like it, but rather, that they perceive some danger to you. Sometimes, a particular song or group can influence your thinking and emotions in ways you might not realize. Give your parents their props, they are doing their job when they look out for you. That’s God’s word.
I bet if you talk to your youth pastor, he/she would say that you need to obey your parents. Maybe the youth pastor should consider talking to your parents to understand their objections, too. Sometimes youth pastors try so hard to fit in with the bigger youth culture, to reach the lost, they forget to help Christian kids stay on course and OUT of that worldly system. This is where you can help your youth pastor understand you and your problems, too.
I don’t know how old you are, Jeremy, but you must realize that as you mature, you also have a responsibility to be a blessing to others around you, dig deeper into God’s ways for yourself, and make some hard decisions. Do you want to live your life for God, or your own comfort and pleasure? Sometimes, these are not the same things. I know for me, I would not want to let rebellion against my parents or some music I won’t even remember this time next year separate me (sin) from the love of God.
Faithfully yours, Cousin Polly
