In some way we all have children and teenagers in our lives. Our own, grandchildren etc or the neighbours next door. And no doubt we make behaviour comparisons with our own generation. When we see them out of control we can take comfort that even God, in all His omnipotence ( all powerful and wise), had problems with His own children. After creating the heavens and the earth He created Adam and Eve. Then He set out some “parameters” for living. First God said, “Don’t……
“don’t what?” said Adam.

Don’t eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of right and wrong.”
“Forbidden fruit you say?” Adam enquired. “Forbidden fruit! Hey Eve we have forbidden fruit!”
“No way.” said Eve. “ Yesssssssss” replied Adam.
“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit,” said God again.
“Why?” responded Adam.
“Because I am your Father and I said so.” God replied, wondering why He hadn’t stopped creation after making the elephants.
A little while later God saw His children having an apple break and was miffed. “Didn’t I tell you not to eat the forbidden fruit?”
“Uh huh,” replied Adam.
“Then why did you?”
“I don’t know ,” said Eve.
“She started it,” said Adam. “Did not.”....”Did too.”….”Did NOT!”
So Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the snake and the snake didn’t have a leg to stand on! Having had it with the two of them, God decided that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus a pattern was set and hasn’t changed since. So here’s our assurance: If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children and teenagers wisdom and they haven’t taken any notice, don’t be hard on yourself. If God had trouble what makes you think it would be a piece of cake.

Steve,