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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Our teenagers are angry with us for tightening up on their use of social media. We’ve always had a strong and healthy relationship with our kids, but the social media addiction case has revealed harm to youth. We teach our children to have discernment, because the prowlers of social media are conniving and their content is deceiving and dangerous. What can be done? – S.M.

A: The Bible speaks of Satan’s trickery. “The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV). Scripture says that “the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness” (2 Corinthians 11:3, NKJV), which can lead the mind astray.

There were two teen siblings who asked their father for money to go see a movie with their friends. Knowing the inappropriate content, the father wouldn’t let them go. The teens begged him saying the movie was an adventure story with only a few curse words and one slightly immoral scene. The answer is still no.

Sulking, they retreated to their rooms until supper. After eating, their mother set a pan of freshly baked brownies smothered with creamy icing on the table. The father cut large squares for his children and said, “Your mother has made your favorite dessert, but there is one thing you should know before you eat it. I had her mix some manure into the batter.”

The teenagers shoved the plates back and tilted away from the table. “How could you?” they moaned. “Oh, it’s just a little bit,” the father answered. “Enjoy!” That lesson, both teens said later in life, served as a reminder that it takes only a trifle to corrupt.

Sinful man thinks he is good, but he bears the seed of sin. Transformed sinners should please Christ in their thoughts, words, and actions. God blesses this powerful testimony before an evil world. “What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.