Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
How to Respond When Your Child Sins Against You:
A Lesson From the Forty-Year Wilderness Wandering
I. Introduction
Quote from Jay Younts in Everyday Talk:
“Moses was charged with leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. God handed Moses an infant nation that was virtually born as it passed through the waters of the Red Sea. Israel could not feed herself, she could not defend herself, she did not know how to what was right. The job of raising Israel to maturity fell to Moses.”
The relationship between Moses and the Israelites is a useful study for parents. Let’s look at some ways in which the Israelites were like our own little ones.
II. God’s Top Two for Children - Obedience and Honor (Ephesians 6:1-2)
The Israelites promised to obey - “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’” Exodus 24:7
A. Disobedience
1. The Manna Hording Incident
“And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.” Exodus 16:19-20
2. The “I Told You Not To Go There” Incident
“Then you answered me, ‘We have sinned against the LORD. We ourselves will go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us.’ And every one of you fastened on his weapons of war and thought it easy to go up into the hill country. And the LORD said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah. And you returned and wept before the LORD, but the LORD did not listen to your voice or give ear to you.” Deuteronomy 1:41-45
B. Disrespect (via Complaining)
1. Pick A Chapter, Any Chapter
Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3; Numbers 11:1, 20:2-5
2. The Carnivorous Incident
“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6
3. The Worthless Food Incident
“…the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’” Numbers 21:4-5
(Do these examples sound familiar? You might want to remind your children that these incidents of complaint and ingratitude were rewarded by plague and fiery serpents!)
C. The scriptures record that Israel was also guilty of self-centeredness and self-pity. Lack of self-control was displayed by frequent weeping and angry outbursts towards Moses. Exodus 18 records Moses’ everyday duties - giving advice and settling disputes from morning until night (sound familiar?). There is one major difference in Moses and you, though….Moses did this for forty years!
III. Our Primary Concern Drives Our Reaction
A. Moses’ Good Reaction to the Golden Calf Incident
“But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, ‘O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’ And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.” Exodus 32:11-14
“So I lay prostrate before the LORD for these forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” Deuteronomy 9:25
(See also a similar reaction to the We Won’t Go Incident in Numbers 14:13-19)
B. Moses’ Excellent Reaction to the “Enter the Land, But I’m Not Coming” Incident
“‘Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’” Exodus 33:13-18
IV. Closing Remarks
Moses’ desire was for the honor, reputation, and glory of God. He was not concerned for himself. Of course, we know that Moses was a sinful person, as we all are. He did not always respond in a way that pleased God. You can read about Moses’ sinful reactions in the Just Kill Me Now Incident (Numbers 11:11-15) and the We’re Thirsty Again Incident (Numbers 20:6-12). That final one cost Moses the moment he had looked forward to for so long - crossing into the Promised Land.
If we truly believe that our children are sinners from birth, it should not surprise us when they sin. Rather, we should expect and plan for those difficult times. This will allow us to focus on God’s glory and our child’s need of a Savior rather than on our own hurt, embarrassment, and inconvenience. We must realize that the root of all sin is directed towards God. “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” Exodus 16:8
Finally, let these promises encourage you.
God Himself will comfort you:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 1 Thessalonians 2:16-17
He will be with you:
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
And He will equip you:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3
Showing posts with label Everyday Talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Everyday Talk. Show all posts
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Everyday Talk, Chapter 5
The good folk at Shepherd Press have sent me a review copy of Broken-Down House. Of course, I haven't been moving at the speed of light around here lately, and I'm not quite in the middle of Everyday Talk. So, what to do? I think I will try to finish what I've started, then move on to the new book, praying that I'll find more than five minutes here and there to do so!
Chapter 5 is entitled "Don't Be Ordinary." This chapter had a profound impact on me, bringing me to repentance. The basic thought is that our children are born sinners. They will sin against us. So how will we respond? Jay gives several ordinary options: despair, anger, avoidance, self-pity, or ignoring the problem altogether ("just get over it"). For me, it wasn't a matter of which response I am prone to give, but more a matter of which response I will give THIS time. I am guilty of all of these.
Although I do believe total depravity in theory, I must still struggle with it in practice. Sin, in myself or in others, always catches me off guard. Of course my children will sin against me....but wait! WHY, OH WHY, did my precious BABY just sin against me? Of course I am a sinner....but wait! I am such an IDIOT to sin in that way AGAIN! (After all, I *am* better than that, you know.)
All of this is a powerful reminder that parenting is for ME. Dealing with sinful behavior, both in myself and in my children, is clearly displaying my own weakness and Christ's sufficiency. My children are also an in-your-face, all-day-long picture of the amazing love the Father has for us. Just like my kids, I repeat the same sins over and over, yet He forgives. May I be like Him!
Finally, the middle section of this chapter deals with Moses and the Israelites as an example in parenting. This line of thinking was excellent, and timely for me as I was asked to write another baby shower devotional. With all credit going to Jay (THANKS!!!), I'd like to reprint the devotional here as a separate post, as it seems I get a few visitors every week looking for this type of material.
Chapter 5 is entitled "Don't Be Ordinary." This chapter had a profound impact on me, bringing me to repentance. The basic thought is that our children are born sinners. They will sin against us. So how will we respond? Jay gives several ordinary options: despair, anger, avoidance, self-pity, or ignoring the problem altogether ("just get over it"). For me, it wasn't a matter of which response I am prone to give, but more a matter of which response I will give THIS time. I am guilty of all of these.
Although I do believe total depravity in theory, I must still struggle with it in practice. Sin, in myself or in others, always catches me off guard. Of course my children will sin against me....but wait! WHY, OH WHY, did my precious BABY just sin against me? Of course I am a sinner....but wait! I am such an IDIOT to sin in that way AGAIN! (After all, I *am* better than that, you know.)
All of this is a powerful reminder that parenting is for ME. Dealing with sinful behavior, both in myself and in my children, is clearly displaying my own weakness and Christ's sufficiency. My children are also an in-your-face, all-day-long picture of the amazing love the Father has for us. Just like my kids, I repeat the same sins over and over, yet He forgives. May I be like Him!
Finally, the middle section of this chapter deals with Moses and the Israelites as an example in parenting. This line of thinking was excellent, and timely for me as I was asked to write another baby shower devotional. With all credit going to Jay (THANKS!!!), I'd like to reprint the devotional here as a separate post, as it seems I get a few visitors every week looking for this type of material.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Everyday Talk, Chapter 4
Three months later.....(sorry!)
I found this chapter to be especially helpful for applying a specific scripture in a practical manner. The first concept is presented as a graphic and demonstrates how God has established parental authority. This is a visual breakdown of Ephesians 6:1-4. Our directions are, as the chapter title suggests, "Holy Directions" because they are "set apart." The directions of a Christian parent are fundamentally different from those of an unbelieving parent, primarily because a Christian has a higher authority behind him. "Do this because I told you to do it" gives way to "do this because I am your God-given authority and He has commanded that you obey me." (Now I will laugh every time I see one of those cheesy signs that say, "Because I'm the mother, that's why.") For a parent, this is both freeing and binding. Freedom comes from knowing we are leaning on God's higher authority, but the weight of our responsibility is all too clear. We must consider our commands before we throw them out there.
Next, we are asked to consider how we give directions. Do we expect to be obeyed? Of course! But I easily find myself slipping into some of the wrong examples that Jay gives. The encouragement here is to give direct, clear instruction in a pleasant tone of voice, expecting to be obeyed. So easy, so hard! I do love this quote: "God wants your children to obey you because it pleases Him and blesses them." Children MUST obey (Ephesians 6:1). In our home, I constantly tell my children that they cannot do this in their own strength, but that they can pray that God will assist them. We are then reminded that the only God-pleasing response is a pleasant affirmative (Philippians 2:14).
The author then introduces Proverbs 16:20-24, noting poetic structure that was likely employed. This was especially interesting to me and was expounded upon at the end of the chapter. This poetic structure would place special emphasis on vs. 22: "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools." Skipping ahead a bit, vs. 20-21 and 23-24 give the subject matter (listening to instruction and trusting in the LORD) and how this instruction should be delivered (with pleasant words, in a discerning manner). There is much more to be uncovered in these verses; this is just a taste of the riches found in God's word!
A few more needed insights to remember:
Finally, Jay brings hope to those who despair from previous failures. He encourages us to turn to God for help, seeking His word to form our methods.
I will admit that I am not a big fan of questions at the end of chapters. I often find that the questions the author asks have typical "Sunday School" answers. But the questions at the end of this chapter were worth my time to reflect upon. In short:
1. Do I repeat commands?
2. Do I excuse disobedience?
3. What are my "hot buttons"?
4. What is the effect of angry words on my children....and on me?
I found this chapter to be especially helpful for applying a specific scripture in a practical manner. The first concept is presented as a graphic and demonstrates how God has established parental authority. This is a visual breakdown of Ephesians 6:1-4. Our directions are, as the chapter title suggests, "Holy Directions" because they are "set apart." The directions of a Christian parent are fundamentally different from those of an unbelieving parent, primarily because a Christian has a higher authority behind him. "Do this because I told you to do it" gives way to "do this because I am your God-given authority and He has commanded that you obey me." (Now I will laugh every time I see one of those cheesy signs that say, "Because I'm the mother, that's why.") For a parent, this is both freeing and binding. Freedom comes from knowing we are leaning on God's higher authority, but the weight of our responsibility is all too clear. We must consider our commands before we throw them out there.
Next, we are asked to consider how we give directions. Do we expect to be obeyed? Of course! But I easily find myself slipping into some of the wrong examples that Jay gives. The encouragement here is to give direct, clear instruction in a pleasant tone of voice, expecting to be obeyed. So easy, so hard! I do love this quote: "God wants your children to obey you because it pleases Him and blesses them." Children MUST obey (Ephesians 6:1). In our home, I constantly tell my children that they cannot do this in their own strength, but that they can pray that God will assist them. We are then reminded that the only God-pleasing response is a pleasant affirmative (Philippians 2:14).
The author then introduces Proverbs 16:20-24, noting poetic structure that was likely employed. This was especially interesting to me and was expounded upon at the end of the chapter. This poetic structure would place special emphasis on vs. 22: "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools." Skipping ahead a bit, vs. 20-21 and 23-24 give the subject matter (listening to instruction and trusting in the LORD) and how this instruction should be delivered (with pleasant words, in a discerning manner). There is much more to be uncovered in these verses; this is just a taste of the riches found in God's word!
A few more needed insights to remember:
- Cooperation based on negotiation and mutual advantage is not obedience. Obedience is willing submission to authority.
- The parent is the one to blame when she does not see to it that she is obeyed the first time.
- Anger, manipulation, threats, and bribes will not get the job done.
- Pleasant words promote instruction!
Finally, Jay brings hope to those who despair from previous failures. He encourages us to turn to God for help, seeking His word to form our methods.
I will admit that I am not a big fan of questions at the end of chapters. I often find that the questions the author asks have typical "Sunday School" answers. But the questions at the end of this chapter were worth my time to reflect upon. In short:
1. Do I repeat commands?
2. Do I excuse disobedience?
3. What are my "hot buttons"?
4. What is the effect of angry words on my children....and on me?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More Rambling About Neutral Influences
My friend Christie recently commented on a blog post about Everyday Talk (ch. 1). After spending some time studying the scriptures she reminded me of, I started sketching. Now, over a week later, I am not sure if this even makes sense to anyone but myself, and I humbly acknowledge it's probably all mixed up and wrong. But here is what I am thinking:
(I think I am making WAY too much of this.)
I'll try to get Chapter Four typed out soon. This high-speed thing makes it MUUUUCH easier!!!
(I think I am making WAY too much of this.)
I'll try to get Chapter Four typed out soon. This high-speed thing makes it MUUUUCH easier!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Everyday Talk - Chapter 3
Last week was very busy and this one promises to be even more so....but I will make an attempt to keep this going. My pattern is to read a chapter and then blog about it, because I know if I read ahead the blogging will never happen.
Backtracking just a bit, Jay *almost* had me convinced about the "no neutral influences" until last Sunday...when our interim pastor said the OPPOSITE from the pulpit. ;-) It was humorous when Anthony made that point in his sermon; Kevin started poking me and I had to try not to laugh! I can agree that there are no neutral MOTIVES, but I'm still on the fence about INFLUENCES. There are too many examples that I would personally consider to be neutral until right or wrong motives of an individual person are factored in.
Okay, on to chapter three. The basic idea of this brief chapter is that we do not listen to our children in a God-pleasing way much of the time. Although official "parentspeak" is not the norm around here, I do find myself passively listening or nodding. The encouragement to be more attentive to my children's words was appreciated. I especially liked this quote:
Now, if you have smallish children, or a particularly talkative child, there are occasions in which the talking must be silenced! Children need to learn to please God with their words. Obviously I would stop child A from calling child B "stupidhead." But I would also encourage my children to consider their listener, and to refrain from babbling all day about things of no value.
Some examples:
If I have a friend over for coffee, she probably does not want to hear the plot of an entire read-aloud book, or a play-by-play of a recently watched Looney Tunes episode or two (or three or four or five). A few minutes of this is understandable, but some children can go on for a very, very long time. Trust me on this one.
If the baby just fell and halfway busted her front tooth out with much screaming and blood, I probably don't care that some unicorns have rainbow tails and can fly.
Controlling my tongue is a sin that I have struggled with my entire life, and my prayer is that I can lead my children to bring glory to God with their words. I also desire for them to grow in the areas of self-control and consideration for others (kindness, love). This of course does not mean that my child is not allowed to babble about whether Spider Man could beat up Darth Vader "in real life." It just means that I want him to have some consideration for his audience.
Granted, I must listen to know when to silence.
Backtracking just a bit, Jay *almost* had me convinced about the "no neutral influences" until last Sunday...when our interim pastor said the OPPOSITE from the pulpit. ;-) It was humorous when Anthony made that point in his sermon; Kevin started poking me and I had to try not to laugh! I can agree that there are no neutral MOTIVES, but I'm still on the fence about INFLUENCES. There are too many examples that I would personally consider to be neutral until right or wrong motives of an individual person are factored in.
Okay, on to chapter three. The basic idea of this brief chapter is that we do not listen to our children in a God-pleasing way much of the time. Although official "parentspeak" is not the norm around here, I do find myself passively listening or nodding. The encouragement to be more attentive to my children's words was appreciated. I especially liked this quote:
"It is much easier to speak first, thinking you will listen later. But often, speaking first means loosing the opportunity to listen at all."
Now, if you have smallish children, or a particularly talkative child, there are occasions in which the talking must be silenced! Children need to learn to please God with their words. Obviously I would stop child A from calling child B "stupidhead." But I would also encourage my children to consider their listener, and to refrain from babbling all day about things of no value.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4
Some examples:
If I have a friend over for coffee, she probably does not want to hear the plot of an entire read-aloud book, or a play-by-play of a recently watched Looney Tunes episode or two (or three or four or five). A few minutes of this is understandable, but some children can go on for a very, very long time. Trust me on this one.
If the baby just fell and halfway busted her front tooth out with much screaming and blood, I probably don't care that some unicorns have rainbow tails and can fly.
Controlling my tongue is a sin that I have struggled with my entire life, and my prayer is that I can lead my children to bring glory to God with their words. I also desire for them to grow in the areas of self-control and consideration for others (kindness, love). This of course does not mean that my child is not allowed to babble about whether Spider Man could beat up Darth Vader "in real life." It just means that I want him to have some consideration for his audience.
Granted, I must listen to know when to silence.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Everyday Talk - Chapter 2
The first thing addressed in this chapter, without actually using this specific phrase, is total depravity as applies to children. I have no problem with this. HAVE YOU READ MY BLOG? It seems some days that my children are out to prove this doctrine single-handedly.
So, moving along, it is mentioned that some parents can believe we are all born sinners and as a result move in the entirely opposite direction. These parents are rather cynical about any confession their child makes, taking the "wait and see" approach. As I thought about this, I wondered...does it matter if we, the parent, have absolute assurance of our child's salvation? This probably sounds crazy, but it seems that my responsibility to my child does not change after effectual calling. The gospel is not just for one moment in time. It is life! Every day! I need that beautiful gospel now just as much as I did the hour I first believed. Don't get me wrong - it would be nice to "know." Actually, it's a bit of a necessity for us Baptiterians. But my responsibility to point my children to Christ as the relief from the misery of sin, both in His perfect life and His atoning death, is the same on either side of conversion.
With that in mind, what a blessing to see the gospel simply presented within these pages. One can never know who might pick up this book, right? I also LOVE the section about God providing faith, and the question, "What do your children think the gospel is?" In my heart and mind I know all of these things, but my prayer is that I will put it into practice by consistance in discipline and instruction. Kevin and I are both fairly calm people (I think I've seen Kevin angry ONCE....EVER....), but I do occasionally deal with internal anger or irritation stemming from selfishness.
Next, can I delight in my children when they have poor behavior? Whew! That's a tough one. I do still love them, but I'll have to think about DELIGHTING in them. (It does provide for some humorous blogging on occasion.)
I believe that legalistic, works-based thinking is as natural as breathing, even after conversion. I do it all the time. "Why can't I stop running my mouth about things that aren't even my business?" I am so proud that I actually believe I'm "better than that." In reality, I am a wicked, sinful woman and I should be running to Christ!
Lastly, I have some thoughts on prayer, but they must wait for another post. The dishes are calling...
So, moving along, it is mentioned that some parents can believe we are all born sinners and as a result move in the entirely opposite direction. These parents are rather cynical about any confession their child makes, taking the "wait and see" approach. As I thought about this, I wondered...does it matter if we, the parent, have absolute assurance of our child's salvation? This probably sounds crazy, but it seems that my responsibility to my child does not change after effectual calling. The gospel is not just for one moment in time. It is life! Every day! I need that beautiful gospel now just as much as I did the hour I first believed. Don't get me wrong - it would be nice to "know." Actually, it's a bit of a necessity for us Baptiterians. But my responsibility to point my children to Christ as the relief from the misery of sin, both in His perfect life and His atoning death, is the same on either side of conversion.
With that in mind, what a blessing to see the gospel simply presented within these pages. One can never know who might pick up this book, right? I also LOVE the section about God providing faith, and the question, "What do your children think the gospel is?" In my heart and mind I know all of these things, but my prayer is that I will put it into practice by consistance in discipline and instruction. Kevin and I are both fairly calm people (I think I've seen Kevin angry ONCE....EVER....), but I do occasionally deal with internal anger or irritation stemming from selfishness.
Next, can I delight in my children when they have poor behavior? Whew! That's a tough one. I do still love them, but I'll have to think about DELIGHTING in them. (It does provide for some humorous blogging on occasion.)
I believe that legalistic, works-based thinking is as natural as breathing, even after conversion. I do it all the time. "Why can't I stop running my mouth about things that aren't even my business?" I am so proud that I actually believe I'm "better than that." In reality, I am a wicked, sinful woman and I should be running to Christ!
Lastly, I have some thoughts on prayer, but they must wait for another post. The dishes are calling...
Everyday Talk - Finishing Chapter 1
(I am quickly realizing that this excersize is much more helpful for myself than for "The Author," aka "Columbo," aka "my buddy Jay.")
First, a couple of thoughts from the comments on chapter 1:
I agree completely with the conclusions drawn from the two questions. Yes, we would certainly act differently if Christ were physically present in our homes every day. And yes, the scripture teaches that God is with us in a very real way NOW. What we should be asking is this: What is the MOTIVE behind how I spend time with my children each day and the activities I choose for them?
There are a few specific influences listed in chapter 1 to get the reader started in evaluating their children's daily activities. "Playing with friends" is one, for example. This could easily fall into the negative OR postive category, depending on the choice of the playmates. So some influences have the potential to be postive OR negative. But what about another example, "riding the bus"? Just riding the bus seems...neutral. Unless, of course, you consider WHO the child is riding beside. (There are actually some of us who think it is ridiculous to wake a four-year-old at 5:30 to catch the bus at 6:20, so they can ride around for an hour, sitting next to whomever they choose, or whoever chooses to sit beside them.)
Kevin pointed out physical necessities at possible neutral influences, but then there is the whole "so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
All that being said...do you think it is possible to draw every single thing in our lives to point towards Christ, every moment of every day, at least while we are still alive in this fallen creation? What about folding the laundry? What about riding your bike? WHAT ABOUT WORD TWIST?!?! (LOL!)
Okay, enough of chapter 1. On to chapter 2!
First, a couple of thoughts from the comments on chapter 1:
I agree completely with the conclusions drawn from the two questions. Yes, we would certainly act differently if Christ were physically present in our homes every day. And yes, the scripture teaches that God is with us in a very real way NOW. What we should be asking is this: What is the MOTIVE behind how I spend time with my children each day and the activities I choose for them?
There are a few specific influences listed in chapter 1 to get the reader started in evaluating their children's daily activities. "Playing with friends" is one, for example. This could easily fall into the negative OR postive category, depending on the choice of the playmates. So some influences have the potential to be postive OR negative. But what about another example, "riding the bus"? Just riding the bus seems...neutral. Unless, of course, you consider WHO the child is riding beside. (There are actually some of us who think it is ridiculous to wake a four-year-old at 5:30 to catch the bus at 6:20, so they can ride around for an hour, sitting next to whomever they choose, or whoever chooses to sit beside them.)
Kevin pointed out physical necessities at possible neutral influences, but then there is the whole "so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
All that being said...do you think it is possible to draw every single thing in our lives to point towards Christ, every moment of every day, at least while we are still alive in this fallen creation? What about folding the laundry? What about riding your bike? WHAT ABOUT WORD TWIST?!?! (LOL!)
Okay, enough of chapter 1. On to chapter 2!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Everyday Talk by John A. Younts - Chapter 1
I’d like to spend a bit of time blogging through a book I am currently reading. This is not really a book review, as others much wiser than I have already taken care of that sort of thing. My attempts at sharing my thoughts are for the possible small benefit to the kind person who gave me this book, as well as for my hoards of regular readers. ;-) Apologies in advance for the sporadic nature of my posting; my crazy life often gets in the way of blogging.
Chapter 1 - Stupid Rain
Any parenting book worth its salt will, at some point, quote the Shema from Deuteronomy 6. This book wastes no time! I especially appreciated the reminder of context; this command was given at the brink of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. God was revealing the seriousness of remembering Him, reverencing Him, and teaching the next generation to do the same.
From the next section I gleaned some important questions to be asking myself:
1. What is so important to me that I think about it all day?
2. What do I talk about NOW?
3. Do I realize that I am already communicating to my children where my priorities lie by what I talk about and do all day?
On a personal note, what do my children observe when God is calling me to “love the unlovely?” Or how about my selfish demands of “me time?” Are my children an interruption of my To Do list (because we know how important it is to keep the house sparkling clean at ALL TIMES)? Do I act differently when others (not immediate family) are around to observe my words and actions?
When I first read the “stupid rain” conversation, the timing couldn’t have been better. I had been looking forward to a particular event for weeks, and our babysitter backed out at the last minute. It was a fabulous pity-party! I moped out to check the mail and this book was sitting in the mailbox. Admittedly, it perked my spirits a bit to get a gift….until I read the first few pages! After all, it was ultimately God’s fault that we had no sitter, right? My response was sending a loud, clear signal, not only to my children, but to my husband as well. I was placing my joy in something temporal.
Now for a bit of uncertainty. The author makes several references to Satan in this chapter. Acknowledging my probable lack of understanding regarding Satan, I feel that he need not waste his time on me. I do a fantastic job of sinning without any help from Satan. Even in my worst trials I have never felt oppressed enough to say that I was under attack from Satan; my oppression came from my own sin. Again, I am likely showing my ignorance regarding supernatural issues.
How beautiful that scripture compares the godly instruction of parents to “a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:9)! This insight was meaningful to me in how I approach discipline and instruction. Presentation affects reception…how true!
My favorite quote in this chapter: “If you don’t spend time thinking about God, you won’t have much to say about God.”
(Side note that I observed at this point in my reading - I really like the author’s use of several translations of scripture. This gives me a fuller picture of the intent of the original writer.)
Finally, the author talks about the influences that press upon our children each day. I am blessed to say that I have MUCH influence in the lives of my children; I stay home with them, educate them, play with them, etc. But WOW! What a responsibility!
Also, I am not 100% convinced that there are no “neutral influences.” It seems that for this to be true, we would have to assign spiritual meaning to every single thing that happens all day. Granted, some things that I might consider neutral could be used in a positive way, such as riding in the van. We could ride in silence, which to me would be neutral. We could argue the whole time, which would be negative. Or we could talk about what we studied that morning in the book of Ruth, which would be positive.
But no neutral influences? And, could something that is positive for one family be negative for another (and no, I am not advocating relativism!)? For example, take this list of potential influences:
Watching an ungodly TV program for a lengthy amount of time
Watching an ungodly TV program for a short amount of time
Watching an educational TV program for a lengthy amount of time
Watching an educational TV program for a short amount of time
Watching a “spiritual” TV program (Veggie Tales? LOL!) for a lengthy amount of time
Watching a “spiritual” TV program for a short amount of time
Watching Teletubbies or Yo Gabba Gabba (TOTALLY MINDLESS) for a lengthy amount of time (this could land you in a mental institution, people)
Watching Teletubbies or Yo Gabba Gabba for a short amount of time (still not recommended!)
Not having a TV at all in your home
Can you sort these into positive and negative? Can you do this for all of your friends’ families, as well?
Okay, I realize that I am WAAAAY overanalyzing this, but my crazy brain works that way. Regardless of whether or not an influence can be neutral, this chapter was valuable for providing me with tools of evaluation in my parenting, as well as fodder for “Jenny’s Crazy Theology.”
Hopefully I will have time to get rolling on the next chapter very soon.
Chapter 1 - Stupid Rain
Any parenting book worth its salt will, at some point, quote the Shema from Deuteronomy 6. This book wastes no time! I especially appreciated the reminder of context; this command was given at the brink of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. God was revealing the seriousness of remembering Him, reverencing Him, and teaching the next generation to do the same.
From the next section I gleaned some important questions to be asking myself:
1. What is so important to me that I think about it all day?
2. What do I talk about NOW?
3. Do I realize that I am already communicating to my children where my priorities lie by what I talk about and do all day?
On a personal note, what do my children observe when God is calling me to “love the unlovely?” Or how about my selfish demands of “me time?” Are my children an interruption of my To Do list (because we know how important it is to keep the house sparkling clean at ALL TIMES)? Do I act differently when others (not immediate family) are around to observe my words and actions?
When I first read the “stupid rain” conversation, the timing couldn’t have been better. I had been looking forward to a particular event for weeks, and our babysitter backed out at the last minute. It was a fabulous pity-party! I moped out to check the mail and this book was sitting in the mailbox. Admittedly, it perked my spirits a bit to get a gift….until I read the first few pages! After all, it was ultimately God’s fault that we had no sitter, right? My response was sending a loud, clear signal, not only to my children, but to my husband as well. I was placing my joy in something temporal.
Now for a bit of uncertainty. The author makes several references to Satan in this chapter. Acknowledging my probable lack of understanding regarding Satan, I feel that he need not waste his time on me. I do a fantastic job of sinning without any help from Satan. Even in my worst trials I have never felt oppressed enough to say that I was under attack from Satan; my oppression came from my own sin. Again, I am likely showing my ignorance regarding supernatural issues.
How beautiful that scripture compares the godly instruction of parents to “a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:9)! This insight was meaningful to me in how I approach discipline and instruction. Presentation affects reception…how true!
My favorite quote in this chapter: “If you don’t spend time thinking about God, you won’t have much to say about God.”
(Side note that I observed at this point in my reading - I really like the author’s use of several translations of scripture. This gives me a fuller picture of the intent of the original writer.)
Finally, the author talks about the influences that press upon our children each day. I am blessed to say that I have MUCH influence in the lives of my children; I stay home with them, educate them, play with them, etc. But WOW! What a responsibility!
Also, I am not 100% convinced that there are no “neutral influences.” It seems that for this to be true, we would have to assign spiritual meaning to every single thing that happens all day. Granted, some things that I might consider neutral could be used in a positive way, such as riding in the van. We could ride in silence, which to me would be neutral. We could argue the whole time, which would be negative. Or we could talk about what we studied that morning in the book of Ruth, which would be positive.
But no neutral influences? And, could something that is positive for one family be negative for another (and no, I am not advocating relativism!)? For example, take this list of potential influences:
Watching an ungodly TV program for a lengthy amount of time
Watching an ungodly TV program for a short amount of time
Watching an educational TV program for a lengthy amount of time
Watching an educational TV program for a short amount of time
Watching a “spiritual” TV program (Veggie Tales? LOL!) for a lengthy amount of time
Watching a “spiritual” TV program for a short amount of time
Watching Teletubbies or Yo Gabba Gabba (TOTALLY MINDLESS) for a lengthy amount of time (this could land you in a mental institution, people)
Watching Teletubbies or Yo Gabba Gabba for a short amount of time (still not recommended!)
Not having a TV at all in your home
Can you sort these into positive and negative? Can you do this for all of your friends’ families, as well?
Okay, I realize that I am WAAAAY overanalyzing this, but my crazy brain works that way. Regardless of whether or not an influence can be neutral, this chapter was valuable for providing me with tools of evaluation in my parenting, as well as fodder for “Jenny’s Crazy Theology.”
Hopefully I will have time to get rolling on the next chapter very soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)