April 4, 2000
Anne Geddes, baby photographer, says she takes those beautiful pictures because she wants the whole world to take notice that our children are wonderful. Who would argue with her? Yet violence continues to target children. As politicians battle over who is responsible and what should be done about it, a 1993 statistic says in the U.S. a child died every 92 minutes from gunfire.
Things are not much different today. If our newspapers put each event in a headline, we would face 15 - 16 dead children stories every day of the year. No doubt the fainthearted would protest yet, as morbid as it sounds, maybe full coverage of each shooting would produce more than political bickering.
We claim to value children, but not much is said about these 6000 shooting deaths unless they happen to be spectacular or politically hot. For instance, a grown man was murdered because of his sexual orientation and the whole world heard about it but when a child was murdered by those of that orientation, who made a fuss?
Each year, even each day, thousands of children are aborted, abandoned, and abused without much attention drawn to their plight. What does this say about our value system? We North Americans claim to be moral, even religious, adhering to ethical codes based on our convictions. Perhaps it is time to review those ethics, even to take another look at what God says about the value of our kids.
In the Old Testament, God warned His people not to disobey Him. If they did, they could expect horrible calamities upon themselves and their children. These disasters included disease, crop failure and famine, with an emphasis on the suffering brought to the next generation.
God also warned His people that invading armies would come if they did not obey Him. These enemies would ruin their homes and take their children. Risking disobedience put at risk those most precious to them.
Before we think that God values a child only by its potential rather than an actual value, consider this incident from the New Testament. The chief priests and the teachers of the law saw Jesus doing wonderful things. When children shouted in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were not happy and took their complaint to Jesus.
He replied, “Have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?” He rebuked them for thinking children could not be a blessing to God.
Remember also when the disciples considered children an intrusion? Jesus responded with, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
God holds precious the life of a child. We say we do and, as people created in His image, we are capable of His same protective attitude. Yet actions speak louder than sentiment. Statistics and tiny graves mock our so-called values.
Governments want to confiscate guns, pass more laws, take more control of families. They raise objections at every slaying, just as we do. Yet until the value we place on all human life matches the value placed on them by the One who gave life, it is unlikely anything will change.
What gives us the right to say a child matters only after it is born or born without flaw, or only after it does everything it is told, or only after it fits our plans?
Thank God He is not like that. If He was, none of us would have seen the light of day.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Monday, November 20, 2017
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Faith and Statistics ............. Parables 369
May 11, 1993
After surveying several hundred thousand church-goers, an American seminary discovered some interesting percentages. The question they asked was: At what age did you become a Christian?
Four percent were five years old or younger. Eight percent were 30-39; three percent were 40-49; one percent were 50-59; and under one percent were over 60 years old. The larger groups were ages 13-17 at twenty-three percent, 18-29 at twenty-four percent, and a whooping 34 percent between the ages of 6 to 12 years.
These statistics do not make any distinction between those brought up by Christian parents and those raised without biblical teaching, but according to the age of largest percentage group, some home influence was likely a factor.
The numbers also suggest that parents who decide to “let children make up their minds after they grow up” are missing the best years for biblical instruction. It seems the longer anyone waits before deciding to follow Christ, the more difficult this becomes.
In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote, “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.”
In youth, habits form that persist. Later on, anyone over thirty knows it is difficult, even impossible, to change unwanted or harmful patterns.
In contrast, if our youthful habits are good, the potential of wisdom and blessing from God is increased in old age. Jehoshaphat, an Old Testament leader, demonstrated it. “The Lord was with him because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He sought the God of his father... his heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord.”
Secondly, Solomon advises, “Be happy young man while you are young and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.”
Is youth a time for sowing a few wild oats? It almost seems Solomon recommends this, but read his words again. He says be happy and follow your heart but don’t forget everything you do will be evaluated by God. Whatever comes from anxiety of heart (indicating fear, not faith) or the troubles of your bodies (those sinful desires of the flesh that get us in trouble) will be condemned. He points out that the crop harvested from sinful living is meaningless, so why misspend youth and vigor in reckless living?
Solomon concludes his book of wisdom with, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’”
As a person gets older, life is not quite so carefree. Making a living, relationships, even survival, take away the lighthearted optimism of earlier days. It is more difficult to think about God with an attitude of trust if one has not trusted Him from childhood. Becoming a Christian after thirty is about six times less likely — not because God can’t save us older ones, but because hardening of our ways makes it more difficult to turn and go His way.
After surveying several hundred thousand church-goers, an American seminary discovered some interesting percentages. The question they asked was: At what age did you become a Christian?
Four percent were five years old or younger. Eight percent were 30-39; three percent were 40-49; one percent were 50-59; and under one percent were over 60 years old. The larger groups were ages 13-17 at twenty-three percent, 18-29 at twenty-four percent, and a whooping 34 percent between the ages of 6 to 12 years.
These statistics do not make any distinction between those brought up by Christian parents and those raised without biblical teaching, but according to the age of largest percentage group, some home influence was likely a factor.
The numbers also suggest that parents who decide to “let children make up their minds after they grow up” are missing the best years for biblical instruction. It seems the longer anyone waits before deciding to follow Christ, the more difficult this becomes.
In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote, “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.”
In youth, habits form that persist. Later on, anyone over thirty knows it is difficult, even impossible, to change unwanted or harmful patterns.
In contrast, if our youthful habits are good, the potential of wisdom and blessing from God is increased in old age. Jehoshaphat, an Old Testament leader, demonstrated it. “The Lord was with him because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He sought the God of his father... his heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord.”
Secondly, Solomon advises, “Be happy young man while you are young and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.”
Is youth a time for sowing a few wild oats? It almost seems Solomon recommends this, but read his words again. He says be happy and follow your heart but don’t forget everything you do will be evaluated by God. Whatever comes from anxiety of heart (indicating fear, not faith) or the troubles of your bodies (those sinful desires of the flesh that get us in trouble) will be condemned. He points out that the crop harvested from sinful living is meaningless, so why misspend youth and vigor in reckless living?
Solomon concludes his book of wisdom with, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’”
As a person gets older, life is not quite so carefree. Making a living, relationships, even survival, take away the lighthearted optimism of earlier days. It is more difficult to think about God with an attitude of trust if one has not trusted Him from childhood. Becoming a Christian after thirty is about six times less likely — not because God can’t save us older ones, but because hardening of our ways makes it more difficult to turn and go His way.
Monday, December 7, 2015
The importance of fathers ............. Parables 362
March 23, 1993
An ad in a Madrid newspaper said: Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father. The next Saturday, 800 boys named Paco were standing outside the door of that newspaper office looking for their fathers.
As a mother, I enjoy the special bond I have with my daughter. We are friends who share ideas and activities that do not interest the male members of our family. While we did not always experience this camaraderie, it is a relationship well worth nourishing and preserving.
As an observer, I also know the special relationship between a father and son. How delicate and important that relationship is to the emotional well-being of both. Deprived of the affection and attention of his father, a son’s identity is challenged. Some men spend their entire lives trying to impress a father who would never say “Son, I am proud of you.” Some spend years fighting with the desperate feeling that dad never loved, wanted, or had any interest in them. To lose or never have a father’s acceptance is devastating.
There is a tremendous spiritual principle behind this parent-child relationship: children (and many adults) tend to think of God as somehow being like their parents, especially like their father. Thus the earthly relationship they have (or don’t have) affects the Heavenly one that is possible with God. Thinking God is like dad causes many people to pull away from Him and want nothing to do with Him. At the very least, this confusion of identity can be frustrating and interfere with having a deep relationship with the Lord.
Both myself and my husband found ourselves in this situation. While we could mentally assent that God is not the same as our dads, it has been a struggle to really believe it down deep where our beliefs affect everything we do.
Since dads are the only models with the title “Father,” those who do know very little about God may not even realize there is a conflict in their perception. This is one reason why people from abusive situations find it difficult, or even impossible, to worship and serve a heavenly Father. How could such a One love them when their own fathers did not?
But even those with the most loving and supportive parents know there is no perfect human father, nor does anyone have a perfect understanding of the perfection of God.
While this concept adds a challenging dimension to the already awesome responsibility of raising children, it does not have to be overwhelming. Fathers (and mothers) cannot be perfect models of God for their children, but we can still teach them what God is like and admit that we fall short. That promotes awareness of the differences so they will not attribute God with our less than perfect characteristics.
The story of the 800 Pacos is touching. It illustrates a deep need of the heart — everyone wants to be loved and in the full favor of their father. Since this is not always the case with earthly fathers, that is why the gospel is such good news. It is God’s advertisement — calling His little ones to come and meet with Him, not at the front door of a newspaper office, but at the foot of the Cross where each one finds forgiveness and acceptance. With Him, it is as the psalmist declared: “If my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
An ad in a Madrid newspaper said: Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father. The next Saturday, 800 boys named Paco were standing outside the door of that newspaper office looking for their fathers.
As a mother, I enjoy the special bond I have with my daughter. We are friends who share ideas and activities that do not interest the male members of our family. While we did not always experience this camaraderie, it is a relationship well worth nourishing and preserving.
As an observer, I also know the special relationship between a father and son. How delicate and important that relationship is to the emotional well-being of both. Deprived of the affection and attention of his father, a son’s identity is challenged. Some men spend their entire lives trying to impress a father who would never say “Son, I am proud of you.” Some spend years fighting with the desperate feeling that dad never loved, wanted, or had any interest in them. To lose or never have a father’s acceptance is devastating.
There is a tremendous spiritual principle behind this parent-child relationship: children (and many adults) tend to think of God as somehow being like their parents, especially like their father. Thus the earthly relationship they have (or don’t have) affects the Heavenly one that is possible with God. Thinking God is like dad causes many people to pull away from Him and want nothing to do with Him. At the very least, this confusion of identity can be frustrating and interfere with having a deep relationship with the Lord.
Both myself and my husband found ourselves in this situation. While we could mentally assent that God is not the same as our dads, it has been a struggle to really believe it down deep where our beliefs affect everything we do.
Since dads are the only models with the title “Father,” those who do know very little about God may not even realize there is a conflict in their perception. This is one reason why people from abusive situations find it difficult, or even impossible, to worship and serve a heavenly Father. How could such a One love them when their own fathers did not?
But even those with the most loving and supportive parents know there is no perfect human father, nor does anyone have a perfect understanding of the perfection of God.
While this concept adds a challenging dimension to the already awesome responsibility of raising children, it does not have to be overwhelming. Fathers (and mothers) cannot be perfect models of God for their children, but we can still teach them what God is like and admit that we fall short. That promotes awareness of the differences so they will not attribute God with our less than perfect characteristics.
The story of the 800 Pacos is touching. It illustrates a deep need of the heart — everyone wants to be loved and in the full favor of their father. Since this is not always the case with earthly fathers, that is why the gospel is such good news. It is God’s advertisement — calling His little ones to come and meet with Him, not at the front door of a newspaper office, but at the foot of the Cross where each one finds forgiveness and acceptance. With Him, it is as the psalmist declared: “If my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
A most wonderful yarn ........................ Parables 177
(August 9, 1989)
“Grandma, what’s that?”
“It’s a “what’s it.”
“What’s a what’s it?”
Five strands of colored yarn knotted at one end and pinned to my shirt prompted this conversation. I wore my “what’s it” so I could explain God’s good news to my five-year-old grandson. He’d never heard it before. As we discussed profound truth in simple terms, I realized it is easy amid the complications of adult life, to forget that the gospel is really so very simple. The colored yarn tells the story:
GOLD: stands for streets of gold in heaven. Of course, heaven is where God lives, and everything is perfect there because God is perfect. (See Revelation 21:21) But, of all the perfect things that might be in heaven, there is at least one thing that God will not allow there...
BLACK: represents sin. Sin is a word for all the bad in us that comes out in mean thoughts, ugly words, and things we do. Everyone sins. I do. You do. Everyone. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Bible says that sin will keep us from knowing and loving God and from going to heaven when we die. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 and Revelation 22:15 and 21:8)
RED: stands for blood. God said that sinners must be punished but He loved us so much that He sent His Son, who never sinned, to die for our sins. When Jesus claimed to be God’s Son, it made some men angry so they nailed Him to a wooden cross. Then He died, shedding His blood for us. He was buried in a cave. But Jesus didn’t stay there. After three days, He rose from the dead. He has power to conquer death.
Several days later, while His friends watched, He rose up from the earth and went to be with His heavenly Father. He said He would someday return, and take all who believe in Him back to heaven. (John 1:12 and 14:1-3)
WHITE: Sinners need to be made clean from their sin before they can go to heaven with Jesus. He shed His blood so we could be washed “whiter than snow” and made fit to be with God. When we put our trust in Him and ask Him to forgive our sin, He promises to come and live in our hearts (not the organ that pumps blood but the real person). Then our hearts are washed clean in God’s sight.
GREEN: After we become cleansed from sin, God wants us to grow, not taller or fatter but “gooder” -- more like Jesus. We read our Bible, pray, and do what God asks us to do. As we do our part, He keeps on changing us and helps us have victory over sin. That means that even though temptation will come, Jesus will give us the strength we need to say “no” to it, and “yes” to what is right.
This little five-year-old admitted right away that he did bad things. He also said, “It is hard to be good but so easy to be bad.” Isn’t it true? The downward trend of morality gives testimony to his words of wisdom. But in spite of numerous theories and programs to turn things around, the answer lies in the “what’s it” story.
Changed individuals bring changes to their society. When God gets a hold of a man, a woman, or even a child, no matter what their particular vices have been, He is able to radically transform them. When the fearful become trusting, liars tell the truth, and unbelieving take heed to the Word of God, God uses them as salt and light in rottenness and darkness.
I know, I know... the “what’s it” story is too simple, too childlike. But remember, Jesus said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
“Grandma, what’s that?”
“It’s a “what’s it.”
“What’s a what’s it?”
Five strands of colored yarn knotted at one end and pinned to my shirt prompted this conversation. I wore my “what’s it” so I could explain God’s good news to my five-year-old grandson. He’d never heard it before. As we discussed profound truth in simple terms, I realized it is easy amid the complications of adult life, to forget that the gospel is really so very simple. The colored yarn tells the story:
GOLD: stands for streets of gold in heaven. Of course, heaven is where God lives, and everything is perfect there because God is perfect. (See Revelation 21:21) But, of all the perfect things that might be in heaven, there is at least one thing that God will not allow there...
BLACK: represents sin. Sin is a word for all the bad in us that comes out in mean thoughts, ugly words, and things we do. Everyone sins. I do. You do. Everyone. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Bible says that sin will keep us from knowing and loving God and from going to heaven when we die. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 and Revelation 22:15 and 21:8)
RED: stands for blood. God said that sinners must be punished but He loved us so much that He sent His Son, who never sinned, to die for our sins. When Jesus claimed to be God’s Son, it made some men angry so they nailed Him to a wooden cross. Then He died, shedding His blood for us. He was buried in a cave. But Jesus didn’t stay there. After three days, He rose from the dead. He has power to conquer death.
Several days later, while His friends watched, He rose up from the earth and went to be with His heavenly Father. He said He would someday return, and take all who believe in Him back to heaven. (John 1:12 and 14:1-3)
WHITE: Sinners need to be made clean from their sin before they can go to heaven with Jesus. He shed His blood so we could be washed “whiter than snow” and made fit to be with God. When we put our trust in Him and ask Him to forgive our sin, He promises to come and live in our hearts (not the organ that pumps blood but the real person). Then our hearts are washed clean in God’s sight.
GREEN: After we become cleansed from sin, God wants us to grow, not taller or fatter but “gooder” -- more like Jesus. We read our Bible, pray, and do what God asks us to do. As we do our part, He keeps on changing us and helps us have victory over sin. That means that even though temptation will come, Jesus will give us the strength we need to say “no” to it, and “yes” to what is right.
This little five-year-old admitted right away that he did bad things. He also said, “It is hard to be good but so easy to be bad.” Isn’t it true? The downward trend of morality gives testimony to his words of wisdom. But in spite of numerous theories and programs to turn things around, the answer lies in the “what’s it” story.
Changed individuals bring changes to their society. When God gets a hold of a man, a woman, or even a child, no matter what their particular vices have been, He is able to radically transform them. When the fearful become trusting, liars tell the truth, and unbelieving take heed to the Word of God, God uses them as salt and light in rottenness and darkness.
I know, I know... the “what’s it” story is too simple, too childlike. But remember, Jesus said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Monday, September 22, 2014
Mirrored in our children ................. Parables 173
(July 12, 1989)
“Don’t do as I do, do as I say,” a frustrated father commands his rebellious youngster. But in the back of his mind he knows — it doesn’t work quite like that. This parent was seeing himself in his child.
Like it or not, kids are often mirrors, reflecting the way their parents look, talk, walk, and even behave. Appearance may be genetic, but certainly most commands given, most principles taught, directly or indirectly, are a reflection of mom’s and dad’s own character.
An interesting study of the branches of a family tree that grew from one very immoral couple revealed robbers, murderers, and a host of lowlife ancestors, many guilty of a great assortment of crime and immorality. In contrast, a God-fearing couple and their family tree were also studied. Its branches held highly respected bankers, statesmen, doctors, pastors, lawyers, even a vice-president. The mirror works both ways. A good example can be reflected too, not guaranteed 100%, but statistically a possibility.
Sometimes a question comes up relevant to children from “bad” homes. I remember the pleading voice of one who was afraid of becoming just like one parent, a person with a mental illness. Was that child locked into an unchangeable pattern? How could the images, impressions, and principles of life one grows up with be forgotten? How could the probability of following parental example and also becoming mentally ill be set aside?
The good news is that God offers changed lives through the miracle of a new birth. Even though the term “born again” has been exploited, misunderstood and ridiculed, it is still the only way that a person can receive a genuine new life — plus enter the family of God.
Jesus described this birth to a man named Nicodemus in John 3. Even though Nicodemus’ background was a far cry from “bad” and even though he was one of society’s elite — a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and even though he had the best upbringing possible, Jesus told him he needed a new life. He must be born again.
A psychoanalyst will say sin (if it’s acknowledged) is the fault of our parents. Certainly, no parenting is perfect. Or they will say our flaws are the fault of our environment. Certainly, no environment is perfect. But Jesus (who incidentally created both parents and environment) says the problem lies within the human heart. We were born with a sin-nature.
He says we must take personal responsibility for the fact that we sin and fall short of all we were created to be. If we will do that, He will give us a new heart through a new birth.
The new life He gives is His life. He takes up residence in those who invite Him to do so. In that incredible union, we begin to think differently, talk differently and act differently. We have a new role model to pattern ourselves by — and a new Father.
Similar to our earthly parents, this Heavenly Father asks of us those things that reflect His character. He says, “Be ye holy for I am holy.” He commands that we love, be pure, speak truth, practice faithfulness and behave righteously — because He is love, complete pure, truth itself, totally faithful, and completely righteous. Because He lives within, He enables us to live as He commands.
After this spiritual “new birth” occurs, like physical birth, there is a growing process. We learn to leave the sinful habits of the old life behind and move toward being like the One who created us. Mature Christians walk more and more like Christ, talk like Him, and behave like Him. He promises, “we will be just like Him when we see Him as He is.”
That is the glorious hope of the child of God; not to be like dad or mom, however good, or not so good they may be, but to be just like Jesus Christ.
“Don’t do as I do, do as I say,” a frustrated father commands his rebellious youngster. But in the back of his mind he knows — it doesn’t work quite like that. This parent was seeing himself in his child.
Like it or not, kids are often mirrors, reflecting the way their parents look, talk, walk, and even behave. Appearance may be genetic, but certainly most commands given, most principles taught, directly or indirectly, are a reflection of mom’s and dad’s own character.
An interesting study of the branches of a family tree that grew from one very immoral couple revealed robbers, murderers, and a host of lowlife ancestors, many guilty of a great assortment of crime and immorality. In contrast, a God-fearing couple and their family tree were also studied. Its branches held highly respected bankers, statesmen, doctors, pastors, lawyers, even a vice-president. The mirror works both ways. A good example can be reflected too, not guaranteed 100%, but statistically a possibility.
Sometimes a question comes up relevant to children from “bad” homes. I remember the pleading voice of one who was afraid of becoming just like one parent, a person with a mental illness. Was that child locked into an unchangeable pattern? How could the images, impressions, and principles of life one grows up with be forgotten? How could the probability of following parental example and also becoming mentally ill be set aside?
The good news is that God offers changed lives through the miracle of a new birth. Even though the term “born again” has been exploited, misunderstood and ridiculed, it is still the only way that a person can receive a genuine new life — plus enter the family of God.
Jesus described this birth to a man named Nicodemus in John 3. Even though Nicodemus’ background was a far cry from “bad” and even though he was one of society’s elite — a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and even though he had the best upbringing possible, Jesus told him he needed a new life. He must be born again.
A psychoanalyst will say sin (if it’s acknowledged) is the fault of our parents. Certainly, no parenting is perfect. Or they will say our flaws are the fault of our environment. Certainly, no environment is perfect. But Jesus (who incidentally created both parents and environment) says the problem lies within the human heart. We were born with a sin-nature.
He says we must take personal responsibility for the fact that we sin and fall short of all we were created to be. If we will do that, He will give us a new heart through a new birth.
The new life He gives is His life. He takes up residence in those who invite Him to do so. In that incredible union, we begin to think differently, talk differently and act differently. We have a new role model to pattern ourselves by — and a new Father.
Similar to our earthly parents, this Heavenly Father asks of us those things that reflect His character. He says, “Be ye holy for I am holy.” He commands that we love, be pure, speak truth, practice faithfulness and behave righteously — because He is love, complete pure, truth itself, totally faithful, and completely righteous. Because He lives within, He enables us to live as He commands.
After this spiritual “new birth” occurs, like physical birth, there is a growing process. We learn to leave the sinful habits of the old life behind and move toward being like the One who created us. Mature Christians walk more and more like Christ, talk like Him, and behave like Him. He promises, “we will be just like Him when we see Him as He is.”
That is the glorious hope of the child of God; not to be like dad or mom, however good, or not so good they may be, but to be just like Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Love sometimes says NO! ..................................... Parables 088
My 4 year old granddaughter told me this week that “all she wants for Christmas” are two toys, advertised on television at a combined cost of nearly $300. She is convinced that these items will satisfy her totally, and is of course oblivious to what their purchase might do to our budget.
Her request reminded us that for the past 30+ years child-rearing has been revolutionized by the theory called permissiveness. Out of this parenting style has come a philosophy that goes something like this: If children are not allowed the things they want to have, their creativity and individuality will be destroyed and they will be hindered in their development. Not only that, they will think that they are not loved. In other words, give them the things they want - or you don’t love them.
Most thinking parents realize that giving a child all they want is not the best for them, nor does it really satisfy the child. In fact, most adults admit that the satisfaction from a new possession lasts only a short time. Then a new hunger develops, fixes itself to another object, and desires it.
But what I believe is the most serious error in the permissive philosophy is this idea that children “deprived” of the things they want are unloved. Obviously, someone has interpreted that ownership or possession of a desired object is somehow equated with love. Using that definition, some parents will even say, “Of course I love my children - I buy them everything they could ever want.”
The children might enjoy that brand of “love”, up to a point, but it doesn’t take long before they realize something is missing. One day they may say, “My parents never really loved me... oh sure, they bought me lots of things, but....”
Biblically, love is giving, but it is not necessarily the giving of things. In fact, God says that when people pray for things to satisfy that desire to possess, He denies their requests... “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)
What God wants us to realize is that the having and owning of things no matter the size, shape, or price tag, only distracts us from finding genuine contentment. Instead, He challenges us to “seek first the kingdom of God” and He promises that if we do, He will take care of our needs in the material realm, and teach us how to be content with what He gives.
So how does anyone seek His kingdom? Is it a place? A sphere of rule? Jesus says that it “begins in the heart” but “unless a man is born again he cannot SEE the kingdom....nor can he ENTER it.”
Therefore, if anyone is going to seek God’s kingdom, become recipients of His supply and learn contentment, they first must become a new person through faith in Jesus Christ. This new person, re-created through the power of God, will find that the empty space that things would not satisfy is suddenly filled - Christ has become the possession that satisfies.
Not only that, faith in the wisdom and love of God enables Christians to yield their desires, hopes, and dreams to Him, trusting Him to provide that which will be best for them.
Hearing “no” might bring temporary disappointment, but I would hate to give a little child whatever they wanted if it damaged their childlike ability to trust someone else to take care of their needs... and perhaps later make it more difficult to trust God - who wisely sometimes also says “no”.
Her request reminded us that for the past 30+ years child-rearing has been revolutionized by the theory called permissiveness. Out of this parenting style has come a philosophy that goes something like this: If children are not allowed the things they want to have, their creativity and individuality will be destroyed and they will be hindered in their development. Not only that, they will think that they are not loved. In other words, give them the things they want - or you don’t love them.
Most thinking parents realize that giving a child all they want is not the best for them, nor does it really satisfy the child. In fact, most adults admit that the satisfaction from a new possession lasts only a short time. Then a new hunger develops, fixes itself to another object, and desires it.
But what I believe is the most serious error in the permissive philosophy is this idea that children “deprived” of the things they want are unloved. Obviously, someone has interpreted that ownership or possession of a desired object is somehow equated with love. Using that definition, some parents will even say, “Of course I love my children - I buy them everything they could ever want.”
The children might enjoy that brand of “love”, up to a point, but it doesn’t take long before they realize something is missing. One day they may say, “My parents never really loved me... oh sure, they bought me lots of things, but....”
Biblically, love is giving, but it is not necessarily the giving of things. In fact, God says that when people pray for things to satisfy that desire to possess, He denies their requests... “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)
What God wants us to realize is that the having and owning of things no matter the size, shape, or price tag, only distracts us from finding genuine contentment. Instead, He challenges us to “seek first the kingdom of God” and He promises that if we do, He will take care of our needs in the material realm, and teach us how to be content with what He gives.
So how does anyone seek His kingdom? Is it a place? A sphere of rule? Jesus says that it “begins in the heart” but “unless a man is born again he cannot SEE the kingdom....nor can he ENTER it.”
Therefore, if anyone is going to seek God’s kingdom, become recipients of His supply and learn contentment, they first must become a new person through faith in Jesus Christ. This new person, re-created through the power of God, will find that the empty space that things would not satisfy is suddenly filled - Christ has become the possession that satisfies.
Not only that, faith in the wisdom and love of God enables Christians to yield their desires, hopes, and dreams to Him, trusting Him to provide that which will be best for them.
Hearing “no” might bring temporary disappointment, but I would hate to give a little child whatever they wanted if it damaged their childlike ability to trust someone else to take care of their needs... and perhaps later make it more difficult to trust God - who wisely sometimes also says “no”.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Decision by majority rule? ................................ Parables 035
The kindergarten children were excited. They had a new class mate, a furry hamster. As they gathered around the little ball of fluff, one of the children asked, “Is it a boy or a girl?”
The teacher, recognizing a teaching opportunity, asked them, “What do you think?”
One child said, “It must be a boy, because it has whiskers.”
Another responded, “No, it’s a girl, because it has long hair.”
For a few minutes the children tossed various reasons back and forth for their opinion of the sex of the hamster. Finally, one frustrated little fellow said, “I know, let’s vote on it.”
“Kids,” we laugh. Yet how often do you and I make decisions based on similar reasoning? Not everything can be decided by popular vote. In this instance there was a right and a wrong answer. The hamster was either male or female, and voting would not change the fact of the matter. In fact, to make a decision based on the opinions expressed by voting, could not only be a mistake, it could be evil.
In case anyone should think that is just my opinion, I didn’t say it first. Jesus Christ did. He said, “You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts — for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
Jesus was speaking to a group of Pharisees, religious leaders who went through the motions of their religion. He perceived that in their hearts they were doing it to impress people (since people are sometimes impressed by outward form). The popular vote determined how they acted, rather than an understanding of what is right and what is wrong. God was not impressed.
In contrast, Jesus did things like eating and drinking with prostitutes, tax collectors, and the rejects of His society. He did not win the vote of the religious leaders by this, and other things that He said and did. Eventually everyone turned against Him, and He was crucified, but several times in His life a voice boomed from heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He was highly esteemed by God for doing things that men did not consider of value.
Children voting on the gender of a hamster is funny. Children following the “vote” of their peers to do drugs is not. Neither are a lot of other decisions that are based on an “everybody does it” philosophy. The trend away from black and white into a “follow the crowd” philosophy has led many an undiscerning person into tragedy and despair.
God’s way is seldom a matter of “majority rules.” Jesus said, “Wide is the way that leads to destruction but narrow is the gate that leads to life . . . and few there be that find it.” That “few” that find it have learned not to pay any attention to “election returns” but to listen to the One who brought them through the “gate.”
The teacher, recognizing a teaching opportunity, asked them, “What do you think?”
One child said, “It must be a boy, because it has whiskers.”
Another responded, “No, it’s a girl, because it has long hair.”
For a few minutes the children tossed various reasons back and forth for their opinion of the sex of the hamster. Finally, one frustrated little fellow said, “I know, let’s vote on it.”
“Kids,” we laugh. Yet how often do you and I make decisions based on similar reasoning? Not everything can be decided by popular vote. In this instance there was a right and a wrong answer. The hamster was either male or female, and voting would not change the fact of the matter. In fact, to make a decision based on the opinions expressed by voting, could not only be a mistake, it could be evil.
In case anyone should think that is just my opinion, I didn’t say it first. Jesus Christ did. He said, “You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts — for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
Jesus was speaking to a group of Pharisees, religious leaders who went through the motions of their religion. He perceived that in their hearts they were doing it to impress people (since people are sometimes impressed by outward form). The popular vote determined how they acted, rather than an understanding of what is right and what is wrong. God was not impressed.
In contrast, Jesus did things like eating and drinking with prostitutes, tax collectors, and the rejects of His society. He did not win the vote of the religious leaders by this, and other things that He said and did. Eventually everyone turned against Him, and He was crucified, but several times in His life a voice boomed from heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He was highly esteemed by God for doing things that men did not consider of value.
Children voting on the gender of a hamster is funny. Children following the “vote” of their peers to do drugs is not. Neither are a lot of other decisions that are based on an “everybody does it” philosophy. The trend away from black and white into a “follow the crowd” philosophy has led many an undiscerning person into tragedy and despair.
God’s way is seldom a matter of “majority rules.” Jesus said, “Wide is the way that leads to destruction but narrow is the gate that leads to life . . . and few there be that find it.” That “few” that find it have learned not to pay any attention to “election returns” but to listen to the One who brought them through the “gate.”
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