I’m not a huge hockey fan but I leapt on the Vancouver Canuck fan bandwagon when it looked like they were heading for the Stanley Cup. I watched the seventh and deciding game of the final series and knew several people who attended the game. Unfortunately, the game is not what is remembered about that night when the Boston Bruins won hockey’s ultimate prize.

Later in the evening my wife and I watched the news in disbelief. It seemed that many people in Vancouver and mainly younger ones had lost their decorum, common sense and perhaps temporarily their minds and had entered into a mob mentality, overturning cars, lighting fires, smashing windows and looting stores. This was, and is not the Vancouver my wife and I know, love, and experienced during the Olympics with tens of thousands of people crowding the streets peacefully celebrating with each other. What went wrong?

That night as we watched the disturbing images fly by on the news, the scenes that really struck me were those of young people attacking, kicking, screaming and swearing at and throwing things at the police. They even lit and attempted to light police cars on fire.

I have several friends who are police officers in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, and have had personal conversations with them which I found equally disturbing. One of them, a non-christian, has been so badly treated by people while he’s working that he’s almost lost faith in society and its inhabitants all together. Another one who is a Christian, has had the same experience and has trouble not separating himself from people all-together. I’m not just referring to how these officers are treated by outright crooks, that would be somewhat understandable. You would be appalled if I told you how some police are treated daily just for giving out traffic tickets to so-called law-abiding citizens.

Part of the problem is that we have somehow unitentionally allowed an almost antipolice, them-against-us, they’re-all-crooked-and/or-incompetent attitude to lodge itself into our societal subconcious about those who lay their lives down daily to protect us and make sure our society works; and sadly this same attitude has so crawled into the minds of our young people, that they don’t give a second thought to doing what they did in Vancouver that night.

In one recent conversation with friends, I suggested that perhaps they should have sent firefighters down to control the crowds. Can you imagine those young men acting that way towards firemen and women? Why not? Because we have not allowed the respect for people in that profession to be degraded to such dangerously low levels. Are there some bad police on every force? Probably. Are there bad firefighters in every city? Probably. So why do we choose to believe that a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch only when it comes to the police force? Simple answer, we want to do what we want to do, when we want to do it, even if it’s wrong and or against the law. We really only want the police to be on the job to stop people when it protects us, our families and our stuff.

It’s part of the fallen nature. Here’s what Jesus had to say about it:

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:19 – 21 NIV)

The fallen nature demands that we get to do whatever we want to do. So, whether it’s a police officer, a judge, Jesus or God, human nature resents being told not to do what’s wrong when that’s what we want to do. However, that is not the nature that we as Christians should be listening to. Paul wrote this:

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1 – 7 NIV)

It always amazes me that Paul wrote these verses when his beloved Israel was being ruled by a wicked Roman Empire, and the Religious Leaders who governed the Jews had killed Jesus and were now persecuting Christians.

The point is that as Christians, we are to recognize that although the system is not perfect, and every governing body has bad apples, the general system that involves the rule of law that is enforced by the police, the sheriff, the courts, judges, the armed forces and even polititians, is God’s system in this world to keep law and order. We as Christians are to respect and keep the law and respect and treat with honor those who work as his ministers in that system. When we do, we uphold law and order and God’s system. When we don’t, we are unknowingly rebeling against God and working to discredit and dismantel his system.

Even worse, when we break the law, even in small ways, and/or bad-mouth the police or talk to them rudely, we set an example for our kids that could possibly lead them to the unthinking acts that unfolded in Vancouver after the Stanley Cup final.

While my kids were growing up, I, like many dads, had to drive them around a lot. The few times I was pulled over, I always tried my best to not just be a good example, but also to instill a respect for the law and its officers into my children. It’s surprising to see how police officers react when you are polite, appreciative, respectful, and honoring to them; you can tell they’re not used to it. The times I was speeding, I acknowledged my wrong, apologized and thanked the officer for doing his job. I remember one time my kids laughing as we pulled away because of how shocked the officer had been by my response to being pulled over.

We need to teach our kids what the Bible says about the law and his ministers, and demonstrate to them what it means to be law-abiding citizens who honor and respect those ministers. We also need to help, support and honor these officers in anyway we can so that those who are still led by their fallen nature begin to understand that we as a society will not accept or put up with God’s ministers being disobeyed, attacked and disrespected. When this happens outside a hockey game for no apparent reason in a mostly peaceful city, I believe it shows that the future order of our orderly society may depend on it.

The atheists accuse Christians of keeping their children cloistered away from other views and indoctrinating these young and impressionable minds as opposed to presenting them with a range of choices. Which they say is unfair to the children.

According to dictionary.com, the word ‘indoctrination’ means to instruct in a doctrine, principle, ideology etc. especially to imbue with a specific partisan or biased belief or point of view. It goes on to say that indoctrination involves teaching someone to accept doctrine uncritically and that a synonym for the word is brainwashing.

Although there are some Christians who knowingly attempt to indoctrinate their children, most Christian parents do not, or at least don’t do it intentionally. Having said that, I do not believe that the Bible teaches us to pass our Faith to our children in a way that requires them to not question or reason, but to blindly believe and obey what we teach them. If we’re doing this, we need to actually listen to the criticism leveled at us, and change. Let me explain why I believe that.

Let’s start with a basic premise of our Faith. God put the ‘Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil’ in the Garden of Eden.  He allows each individual to accept or reject Christ and he also allows each person to live as they see fit, all because love always gives a choice. Logically then, how can we think that it’s right to ensure that our children won’t make the wrong choice by taking away their choice?

The Bible teaches that one of the keys to a deep and meaningful Faith is to seek God and to passionately search out truth. When we try to spoon feed our children a packaged truth and protect them from any objecting viewpoints, we unwittingly teach them that seeking and struggling for a meaningful relationship with God and for real understanding is not necessary. When we do this, we create another generation of unthinking Christians who remain baby Christians all of their lives.

Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth. (John 16:13) A guide directs someone who has already decided to go on a journey. How can the Holy Spirit guide our children to all truth if they’re not on a journey looking for it? If Jesus meant for our children to be only surrounded by truth and sheltered from all else, then they wouldn’t need a guide. If there’s only one clearly marked trail, what do you need a guide for?

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” He didn’t say to force them or to leave them no other choice.

If we look at Jesus as the example of how our children should be educated, here’s what we come up with. He knew God and the Torah well. He also knew what was going on around him in culture, in politics, in religion, in economics, in his country and in the countries close to him. He was a learned man who knew the lies that were being told in the world around him and who could support or refute what was being said by anyone with God’s Words.

Our willingness to teach our children without cloistering them away or demanding unthinking alegence says to the world that we know that we have the truth.

We can confidently teach our kids this way because we know that truth will stand up to the test and that God is able to keep and guide our children. It’s in doing this that we raise Christ followers – young men and women who seek God, search out truth, study their Bibles, become strong in their Faith, are able to share and defend their Faith and who will make a difference in their world.

When we as Christian parents teach our children a thinking, reasoning Faith we protect them from the doubts and arguements of the world and atheists by equipping them to enguage in the conversation and influence with truth rather than be influenced by lies.

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

Recently, there has been a rash of books written by atheists vilifying religion and blaming it for the woes of this world. One best-selling book generated a wave of controversy because it suggested that efforts be made to eradicate religion. The author also takes aim at parents who teach their children religion, calling it a form of child abuse.

Here’s their logic (as far as I can see it). There is no God. Humankind invented God and created religion. Religion is destructive in that it polarizes people, and therefore, causes wars and all sorts of atrocities. The reason religion continues to thrive is that religious parents indoctrinate their children. Therefore, stop allowing the indoctrination of children and the world will become atheistic and wonderfully peaceful.

First of all, let me touch on the things that I agree with. Humanity has suffered much in the name of religion. Also, there are some religious groups in the world that teach violence to their children. There are also many religious parents worldwide that indoctrinate their children, or in other words, tell them what to think instead of teaching them how to think. I agree that all of these things are inappropriate parental behavior.

However, the author in my estimation, has built a very flimsy argument when it comes to Christianity.

Yes, the history of Christianity gets demerits for violence, but to blame present day Christianity for the mistakes of those in the past who did wrong in the name of Christianity is hardly fair. That would be like calling for the end of today’s German culture because at one point it spawned misguided people who caused wars.

The very word Christian means Christ-like or follower of Christ. Everyone who has read the Gospels even once knows that Jesus promoted love, forgiveness, humility and godliness. He did not promote violence, war and insurrection.

The Body of Christ worldwide has come a long way and is a force for good on our planet. When a catastrophe puts people in harms way anywhere in the world, it’s the Christians and Christian relief organizations that dig the deepest and run to care. Millions of Christians and Christian churches worldwide reach out to help and love their families, neighbors and communities every day. These heartfelt charitable acts are a big part of what it is to live a Christian life.

It’s hard to study the history of Western Civilization without seeing the amazingly wonderful impact that Christianity and individual Christians, compelled by their Faith, have had on the world today.

For a great summary read this link:  http://crossandquill.com/journey/?page_id=267

Furthermore, what is it that Christian parents are teaching their children? If you examine the words in red (Jesus’ teaching), you’ll find that a large percentage of what he taught wasn’t about what we believe, but about who we are and how we behave. We teach our children to love, to be caring, kind, generous and considerate of others, to be involved in their communities, to be team players and to be respectful of others who have contrary opinions or beliefs. How can this be damaging to our planet?

Going back to the general arguments about religion being a planet damaging force, studies show that children raised in religion are happier, more other-focused, and less prone to get involved with crime and high-risk behavior. They even tend to exercise more, eat better, and volunteer more frequently.

(Check one of the studies here:  http://www.youthandreligion.org/news/preliminary.html )

A brief study of history will show even the casual reader that things like political agendas, territorial disputes, racial differences and yes, even atheism (the murder of countless religious people in the name of communism, for the sake of the state) have been behind some of the greatest carnages visited on mankind. Should we forbid the teaching of politics, patriotism, property rights, racial uniqueness and atheism?

If your children are old enough, have a chat with them about what the atheists believe and are saying. Perhaps even let them read this blog and help them think it through. Our children need to know their Faith well enough that they can refute this kind of distorted logic when it’s leveled at them.

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

We’ve been hearing a lot in the news about churches posting negative signs about President Elect Obama. One reads “Obama, Osama, hmm, are they brothers?” It hit the news and the pastor said that he was just trying to get people thinking. A conversation starter of sorts.

We heard about the latest one from Rick Sanchez on CNN. A church put these words on a large marque sign outside the front of their church, “America we have a Muslim President, this is a sin against the Lord, Ex. 20:3.”

Needless to say, it’s causing a stir. Although we do not and cannot agree with or condone the sign, we at Christian Parenting Daily think that this news story can be a conversation starter for Christian parents and their older kids.

Here are some talking points:

The sign uses the Biblical reference Exodus 20:3 which is the second commandment “Do not worship any other God’s besides me.” Do you think that America has violated this command by electing Obama?

Jesus derided the religious/political leaders of his day because they claimed to be following God but were not. However, he used their own written teachings and a special revelation from God about what their heart’s looked like to confront them, not suspicion and hearsay. Do you see a difference here?

Next, Obama himself has repeatedly said that he is a Christian and not a Muslim. Many Christians feel that the church Obama attended for many years has some funny ideas but it’s still a Christian church. Some people believe that Obama cannot be a Christian because of his stand on issues such as abortion. What do you think?

Did you know that President Lincoln was a Christian when he was elected but it wasn’t until years later during the civil war that he really became passionate about prayer and his Faith in God? Do you think a person can be a Christian but still have wrong ideas or make mistakes?

How do you think this verse should apply to this situation? “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)

The Apostle Paul wrote these words when the wicked emperor Nero was ruling the Roman Empire , “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1 – 4)

No matter who you voted for, Obama is now the President Elect. What do these inspired Bible verses penned by Paul show us that we should do now? Why?

Have a great discussion and remember it’s better and more effective to help your kids think through the issues critically and Biblically then it is tell them how to think.

Here’s the link to the news article and video on CNN.

As soon as this article hit the street, the media gobbled it up and it seems to be held up as some kind of break through.

While we here at Christian Parenting Daily applaud the study, the conclusions are not new. Solomon taught that we should guard our hearts with all diligence because our life will eventually reflect what we cultivated there. (Proverbs 4:23) One of the key points of Jesus’ teachings was that, who we are on the inside (our thoughts our conclusions, our beliefs) is what’s important because that’s who we are. Our behavior comes out of what’s in our hearts. (Luke 6:45) James taught that our actions are a direct result of the inner desires that we choose to cultivate. (James 1:14 – 16)

Another thing that we applaud the study for is that in it’s conclusion, it recommends that parents watch television with their children so that they can help guide them through what they see.

Here’s the short three step Christian parenting guide to helping your kids wade through the garbage constantly placed before them.

1. Limit your child’s exposure. If the television show or movie in question contains wrong ideas that they are not mature enough to navigate through and make right conclusions about, then they should not be watching it.

2. Take time to intentionally teach your children the Biblical view of sex. Make sure you don’t just tell them what to do and what not to do, but also teach them why God’s way works and the world’s doesn’t. There are a ton of helpful Christian resources out there that can help you with this.

3. As your child matures and is exposed to more, be sure that you’re there watching with them and discussing the content. In this way you help them to think through what they see and they learn to guard their own hearts with God’s truth.

You might want to discuss this study with your older kids, it’s a good way to get the conversation started or to keep it going.

Here’s the link to the Rand study.

CHRISTIAN PARENTING DAILY

Often, when we get into important conversations with our children it’s because of an event that has happen in our lives or around us. When these talks take place, it’s great to bring what the Bible says into each discussion. However, since it’s what the Bible says that’s eternal and most important, it’s even better to start there and bring what’s happening around us into the Biblical discussion.

Here are some Bible verses with political implications to use as discussion starters that you can print out to get the discussion rolling.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2)

(The Bible teaches that God wants leaders and governments to be honest and just. Is there anything we can do to help ensure that our leaders are righteous?)

“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)

(Many Jews who lived in Jesus’ time didn’t like the Roman government. Can we conclude from Jesus’ words how he felt?)

For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:17, 18)

(John the Baptist spoke out against the bad behavior of one of his political leaders. Is there anything we can do when we see our politicians acting incorrectly?)

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1 – 7)

(What do these verses tell us about not only our political leaders but also the police and the military? Does submitting to authorities mean that we have to go along with them even when they do wrong?)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1, 2)

(According to these verses what is the most powerful thing we can do to change our government? What does the last thirteen words of these verses tell you about what people’s lives should look like when good leaders are in government?)

I had the pleasure of knowing Larry Burkett and being able to call him my friend for several years before he left us to be with our Lord. He was a wonderful person, a faithful friend and an awesome man of God. He studied the Bible and understood perhaps better than anyone what God’s Word says and teaches about money.

I met Larry shortly after he wrote ‘The Coming Economic Earthquake’ and although I didn’t understand all of what he was saying about where the economy was going, we talked about something that was near to my heart. Him and his son Allen Burkett Jr. wanted to help parents teach their kids Biblical financial principles so that Christians and the Church in the generations to come could stand strong during tough times.

Larry showed me the conclusions of a nation wide survey that tested the financial IQ of high school seniors. The director of the report summed up the results by saying that our kids were graduating financially illiterate. He also shared with me statistics that showed that 85% of young couples who divorce site financial issues as the reason for their marital breakdown. That discussion led to Larry and I co-writing the book ‘Financial Parenting.’ I also went on to work with both Larry Sr. and Jr. to develop many resources that help parents teach their children financial principles.

The Bible tells us that as parents we are to bring our children up in the instruction of the Lord. The Bible doesn’t just teach us about God, love and salvation. Moses, Solomon, Jesus, Paul and others were all used by God’s Spirit to teach us about stewardship and proper money management. It’s our job as parents to safeguard our children’s future by intentionally bringing them up in these truths.

I don’t know if the ‘Economic Earthquake’ as Larry saw it is here yet but I do know that if we want our kids to survive financially, now and in the future, we need to spend some time teaching them what God’s Word says about money.

The Coming Economic Earthquake, Financial Parenting and the other resources we developed for kids have been selling well and helping families for years but perhaps they are even more relevant and more important now.

Although Larry Burkett is no longer with us, every book he wrote was based on God’s Word and therefore timeless and very relevant today. I highly recommend the following books and any other’s with my friend’s name on them.

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

Dr. Mark Holder, a psychology professor at The University of British Columbia, led a study to determine what factors have the greatest influence on a child’s happiness. He and his team surveyed more than 300 children ages 9 to 12. The researchers also asked the parents and teachers of the children to rate their happiness.

The result? In Dr. Holder’s own words, “The more spiritual the children were, the happier they were.”

Perhaps you’re thinking, “That’s great. We take our children to church and read Bible stories to them”. Yes, that is helpful but it’s not what the survey was focused on. In fact, the Doctor said that religious activities such as going to church didn’t seem to make a difference in a child’s happiness level.

It was their inner belief system that made the difference, their personal belief in God, sensing his presence, relying on him and praying or talking to God on their own.

This study is an important reminder that Sunday school, Bible Stories, bedtime and mealtime prayers are all important but if we forget to focus on the reason for these activities, we are merely engaging our family in religious forms.

The core of Christianity is a relationship with our Creator and Heavenly Father, God. Prayer is about talking to him, getting closer to him and being more reliant on him. We read the Bible to learn more about God, understand him better and therefore get closer to him. We go to church for that same reason and also to be in a community of believers, supporting one another in drawing closer to God.

Often we say that Jesus died to pay the price for our sins and he did. That was the reason he had to die, but it wasn’t his ultimate purpose. The goal was to restore us to a wonderful relationship with our Heavenly Father. Sin was merely the obstacle that stood in the way of the relationship. When we accept Christ, all our sins are forgiven. We are not to stop at the cross but run towards our loving Father, who desires to be known by us and to be close to us.

When we’re talking to our children about spiritual things or walking them through spiritual disciplines, we need to remember the point and constantly direct them, and their hearts, towards a real relationship with our awesome God.

The university survey affirms what the Bible has always taught. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul brought the Old Testament commandment and promise to children forward into the New.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1 – 3)

In the original context, God first told the Israelites to obey and follow him. He went on to tell them that life would go well for them if they did and that they should teach their children to do the same. Then he told the children to obey and honor their parents. So in context, God told the children to obey their parents as they taught them to follow him, then things would go well for them and they’d enjoy life. It’s getting to know God (not just honoring us) that makes our children’s lives happy.

Dr. Holder’s survey is a wonderful reminder to us to make sure that we’re building our children’s inner Faith and not just walking them through outer religious disciplines.

When we take our child’s hand and place his or her hand in God’s, teaching them to seek him, love him, rely on him and follow him, we set them on a very firm foundation.

For more help on introducing your children to God and helping them grow closer to him, we recommend the Focus on The Family Christian Parenting resource ‘Teaching Your Kids About God.’

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

(photo by taylorhellar)

Apparently, this poem was written by a peace keeping soldier stationed overseas. It’s a good reminder to us at Christmas time that our soldiers deserve our thanks and need our prayers. Read it with your family and then include a prayer for our soldiers in your mealtime prayer.

The Night Before A Soldier’s Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas,
He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house,
Made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney,
With presents to give,
And to see just who,
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures,
Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought,
Came through my mind.

For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor,
In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured,
The life of a soldier.

Was this the hero,
Of whom I’d just read?,
Curled up on a poncho,
The floor for a bed?

I realized the families,
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers,
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate,
A bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom,
Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder,
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve,
In a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees, and started to cry.

The soldier awakened,
And I heard a rough voice,
‘Santa, don’t cry.
This life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,
I don’t ask for more,
My life is my God’s,
My country, my corps.’

The soldier rolled over,
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still,
And we both shivered,
From the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave,
On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor,
So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
With a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, ‘Carry on Santa,
It’s Christmas Day, all is secure.’

One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right,
‘Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night.’