A while back, I read a blog about the atrocities committed by the pirates of Somalia. The blogger stressed that because piracy is an unfortunate reality in our day, we should not glamorize pirates in books, movies, etc. It was her contention that no parents should allow their tots to idolize terrorists. These men torture their victims and hold them for multi-million dollar ransoms. They are in fact common criminals, immoral thugs, drunkards and drug addicts, who use piracy to support their lifestyles.
Interestingly, every response was critical of the blogger’s assertions: One wrote, “Perhaps when they’re of appropriate age, we should teach our children the difference between the old-fashioned pirates of fiction and the modern day pirates of reality.” Another said, “Fantasy is what it is, we all find out the truth soon enough why rain on anyone’s parade? It’s not as though misunderstanding the truth about pirates is likely to affect the real lives of many 8 year olds in America.” A third answered, “I think there ought to be some room for pretending to be bad guys without forgetting the fact that real bad guys are actually really bad!”
Unfortunately, many who view themselves as “good” parents continue to raise common criminals, immoral thugs, drunkards and drug addicts. What are they missing? According to the Word of God, it does indeed matter what is allowed through the gates of our minds. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things… and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9).” “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children… (Deuteronomy 6:6-7a).” Fantasies of today will become the fabric of our character tomorrow. You are what you have been becoming.