Paul Tough in his book How Children Succeed, quotes studies proving there are multiple benefits for children who have strong character traits and act on them. Ironically, the benefits even include better health as an adult (Ephesians 6:3). It’s no wonder public schools and others have wanted to introduce character education as a part of their curriculum.
What is interesting, as a Christian, is that their efforts have had uneven results at best. It seems that when internal motivations fail to remind young people to have good character, they must rely on external motivations. Those who don’t have parents or schools who are there by their side constantly reinforcing the positive behaviors will often fall back on previous bad habits in character. Secular attempts at character education have had to resort to creating good “habits” as the best way of reinforcing good character when no one is around to encourage those whose internal motivation is failing them. (And there is no real evidence that works much better.)
For some time now, I have wanted to have an older teen or college student write their view of Christian parenting to share with you. It gives a lot of insight to understand how Christian homes actually touch the thought processes of the children raised in them. 
Our family was introduced to the Harris brothers about the time the first edition of this book came out several years ago. Our then young teen daughter loved reading the book and realizing she wasn’t the only kid on the planet who made God, serving others and sharing their faith priorities in their lives.
Ask someone unfamiliar with the Bible and they will probably tell you Christianity is about knowing and obeying a list of rules. They may be basing their thoughts on some facts they learned from a few Bible stories or sermons. Or they may even have a basic understanding of the idea that God has given mankind some commands He expects us to obey. What they lack is the complete understanding of God and what He wants from us and for us.
One of my favorite things about New York City is the niche stores you can find everywhere. Want anything, and there is probably a store somewhere in the city that sells every variation of that item ever created. Last week, I found this great store in Chelsea Market that had bins of all types of different spices and teas.