This scenario could be reenacted multiple times involving our Christian school graduates and dropouts. One possible reason is that all too often our children develop moral values based on passively accepted taboos rather than personally acquired convictions. Most of the time the child complies, and we feel the struggle is over. This a hollow hope. Convictions are altogether different.
Taboos fear reason.
They seek simple, glib solutions to complex problems. They tolerate no analysis or discussion. Taboos are satisfied with outward compliance. Convictions are developed to help us practice holiness and godliness in the midst of a depraved and ungodly society. Everyone has prejudices regarding actions, behaviors, and practices, many of which are a result of traditions in our society and churches, This does not mean they are wrong or ought to be discarded, but we need to know the difference between actions that are motivated from conformity to tradition and prejudice, and those which flow out of sound, clear biblical principles, Traditions and prejudices change.