No wonder kids act out...out of confusion. Sadly, many adults, having left their childhood behind for the trappings of the world of grown-ups, view kids as just a bother, a costly, and, at times, wrong-headed and destructive inconvenience. Message received by kids: We're not liked and we're in the way.

On the other hand, children who can access the family purse are valued. Unfortunately, kids are easily exploited for the monetary gain of those in the material goods and entertainment industries. Message received by kids: Manipulation yields monetary gain, the measure of one's worth.

Some children experience, in alternating doses, being the center of attention and scorn. Childish antics that mimic adult arenas of life can be very entertaining for indulgent adults...and damaging to children. They learn to be obnoxious, unruly, rude, and demanding. Often these same children are vicitms of neglect, and they become easy targets for the socially unacceptable forms of abuse. Message received by kids: We're entertainers; moodiness controlls others.

The list of ingredients that contribute to the confusion seems to increase exponentially as generations pass.

This certainly is not what our Lord would have for His children. He has a special place in His heart for them...and some stern words for those who would lead them astray. He told his then-and-there desciples, as well as us here-and-now the following: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves" (Luke 17:1-3). These words ought to be posted in the "think tanks" of every media producer and toy maker, and in every market place,school, and home.

While you're at it, you might want to post on your "refrigerator door" these words of our Lord, too: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14). Here's another passage that shows the high regard Jesus had for children: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me" (Mark 9:38).

Oh that society, that we, would emulate the model and manner of our Lord. The ingredients of confusion whould certainly diminish from generation to generation.