• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Troubled Teens

  • Home
  • Submit Questions
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy

Encouragement Amid Scandal: Sobering Realities Amid the Josh Duggar Drama

Last updated on July 7, 2016 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

happy family on couch
I’m not sure exactly what the Duggar family believes about our sinful nature, salvation, or their own parenting. Regardless of the mistakes they made in the wake of their son’s “inexcusable” acts toward his sisters and other young women in their home, the situation points to some sobering truths that should bring all parents to our knees, in humble prayers for mercy.

Reality #1: We can’t always protect our kids.

Many Christian leaders are speaking out against the dangers of sleepovers and encouraging family policies against them. Most cite the incidence of first-time sexual experiences as the number-one reason. I don’t know if the Duggars have had that policy for their kids, but even if they had, their family wouldn’t have been protected.

While it’s easy to point the finger at them and criticize their parenting, the truth is that none of us is a perfect parent. We all make mistakes, and even if we were perfect parents, our kids have their own sinful natures, from which we can’t protect them. We can make what we see as responsible choices, but ultimately, we need to trust the God of Heaven — who can redeem even the most hopeless-looking situations — to keep His promises and guide our kids.

Reality #2: None of our kids are above such sins.

I don’t know the Duggars’ exact beliefs about “the depravity of mankind” or our sin natures, but any of their kids is capable of the worst kinds of sins — just like yours and mine are. It’s a strange irony that the same world that seems to tar and feather Josh Duggar celebrates sexual freedom from almost everyone else. While what he did was truly sinful, none of us — or our kids — is good enough to earn God’s grace. We all stand deserving of judgment and in need of mercy. We can praise our great God for providing a way out from the worst consequences from our sin.
mom with daughter on grass

Reality #3: Sin always comes with consequences.

Even though Christ paid the price, and we do not need to suffer eternal punishment for our sin, there are still consequences on this earth. We do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). In addition, all human difficulty and suffering is in some way due to sin — whether it’s the initial sin in the Garden of Eden, our own sin, or the sins of others. “Sin” is the big answer to the question, “Why do bad things happen?”

But it’s also important to remember that with those consequences, God still offers us grace and forgiveness. Unlike the world that says “Repentance Isn’t Good Enough,” God’s law and His provision for forgiveness and restoration allows us to live free from guilt and shame, if we take Him at His Word. Like Psalm 19 says, His ways are truly best!

Amid these sobering truths, parents of teens can be encouraged because there is a God in Heaven who loves their kids even more than they do.

Continue reading

  • Sobering Realities Amid the Josh Duggar Drama
  • Confronting Falsehoods Surrounding the Josh Duggar Drama, Part 1
  • Confronting Falsehoods Surrounding the Josh Duggar Drama, Part 2
  • Confronting Falsehoods Surrounding the Josh Duggar Drama, Part 3

Image credits: Top © Konstantin Sutyagin/Fotolia; 2nd © Phase4Photography/Fotolia

Filed Under: News

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Struggling with Your Teen?

Have a question about something you're facing with your teenage son or daughter? Ask us! Just click here and share your question.

Boarding School Reviews

Get your boarding school or youth residential treatment program reviewed here. Looking for a marketing agency? Contact us.

Popular Posts

  • Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Controversy Surrounds "Bully" Movie
  • The Risks of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Signs and Symptoms of Huffing
  • Teens and Rape Victim Blame

Recent Articles

  • Teen Shoplifting
  • Is Scripture Irrelevant to Contemporary Teens?
  • Fostering Academic Success at Home: Structuring Study Schedules and Spaces, Part 2
  • Underage Drinking: More of a Problem Than You May Think
  • Communication Overload
  • Combating Teen Obesity
  • What Technology Reveals About Today’s Teens, Part 2
  • What’s Your Excuse? Don’t Pretend, Be Real
  • Why “Fifty Shades” Is Dangerous (For You and Your Teen)
  • Parents: Look to Hollywood Movies for Parenting Tips

Reader Feedback

  • Tara on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • TNH on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Sharaaz Khan on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Dionne Duarte on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Clarice A. on Teen Bedwetting
  • Margaret Campbell on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Elizabeth on The Sexting Problem
  • Lisa Arquette on Handling Hard Questions: Having Empathy for the Ache
  • L. C. H. on 3 Reminders for Dealing with Rebellious Teens
  • Peter D'Angelo on Which Kids Stay in the Church?

Copyright © 2023 TroubledTeens.biz · All Rights Reserved