Each year on this Father’s Day weekend, parents ask me to reprise that sermon from the past. I think most young people are interested in that title as well! How can you talk your parents into anything?
Assure your parents that bad influences will not be involved. That’s always the number one concern of parents: “Who’s going to be there?” Why? Because we know from life experience that Paul told the truth, “Bad company destroys good morals” (1 CR 15:33).
Assure your parents that you’re working hard. Parents always want to be generous but they also want you to be industrious. Show them that you’re getting up and getting busy every day. Show them that you’re doing your best to help pay your way and they’ll move heaven and earth to help you.
Assure your parents that what you want to do will not hurt you spiritually. “Remember[ing] your Creator in the days of your youth” means that you have a concern about holiness, remaining mentally, socially, and physically pure.
It means not pushing the boundaries. It means thinking about where actions might lead. Here’s the bottom line: Your parents aren’t stupid. They’re not going to say “yes” to something that will help you take a step in the wrong direction.
Assure your parents that you’ll accept their decision either way. Ever see what happens when you tell a 2 year-old “no”? Sometimes young people don’t grow out of that behavior. And that tells mom and dad that you aren’t ready to accept greater responsibility...or greater privileges.
