Taught or caught?

"But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes. Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow."  -- Psalm 78:56-57

Why are we troubled when a younger generation shows little or no loyalty to anything? Why are we stunned when they speak out against their country and burn her flag? As Yogi Berra put it, "It's Deja Vu, all over again". You don't have to look too far into the past to find our generation burning flags, draft cards and marching with animosity toward our country. The phrase is too true that says, "More is caught than taught".

From generation to generation, the Lord was tested and rebellion ruled the day in the history of Israel. While statutes were given to be handed down to the next generation, the lifestyle of rebellion was louder than words. "Hearts were not loyal to God... spirits were not faithful to him." (vs. 8) The children were "as unreliable as a faulty bow." 
Before you put the total blame on wayward youth for their rebellious ways toward the Lord, look within. Where have they gotten their ideas and from whom have they learned such disloyalty? Be careful my friend, little eyes are watching. After you have faithfully taught the truth, be certain to live and speak it faithfully. After all, "More is caught than taught".