The Lord has brought up something in our family that needs "reformation"--this word, "to improve by correcting errors," has been discussed a lot as we have been reading about the life of both John Knox and Ulrich Zwidli.
Being that we desire to live firmly upon the Word of God, we have decided to center/view our discussion through the lens of the Bible.
What is this that I am speaking of?
We have noticed that our children like to view the behaviors/obedience of one another as either "good" or "bad." However, it dawned on me, or rather the Spirit impressed upon my heart, that such talk is unbiblical. It is clear in Scripture, as spoken by Jesus, that "only God is truly good" John 10:18. Therefore, to say that "you are being a good boy" is an error of the Truth.
Our children should not be viewed as either good or bad but their behavior should be sifted through the Word and seen as doing right/wrong,
"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true {right} and make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" 2 Timothy 3:16.
May we be careful to view our children through the lens of God's Word. And teach them to do what is right because God is Good!
11 comments:
I have a habit of describing my children in terms of good or bad based on their behavior at that moment.It bothered me that I did that but I could not put my finger on why.I understand what you are saying.Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
oh thank you SO much for this! We do not have our child home from uganda yet but any information like this is so great to hear as we pray and ask God to help us be the parents that He wants us to be! Your so right...we are not good...God is good and if ever there is a time we seem good its only because of the grace of God!
These are words we use "good boy/girl" and you have spoken such truth about our misuse of it. Thank you so much for sharing this great wisdom, as a Christian mom I need all the help/direction I can get. Blessed by your blog :)
Yes..our "good" is as filthy rags...Won't it be amazing to see what God does in the life of your children in say about twenty years!..i am sure enjoying see my girls live with Him at the center of their livess!.. I am so thrilled to have my youngest home from her mission trip to Costa Rica!..Gosh us moms miss our little girls!...Blessings on all you do this day! oxoxo
We use the terms "wise choice" and "foolish choice" in our neck of the woods. It puts the focus on the behavior instead of the child ... and wisdom is something we all have access to, thanks to the Lord and his word. :)
I have no kids but my question is how would you address a child's behaviour if they are being bad/good? I totally see what you are saying but am totally unsure on how it would be addressed.
Nicole. Thanks for the question. Like I mentioned, the Word says that "truly only God is good." Scripture even goes as far as saying, "there is no one good, no not one." So, for example, when one of my children is doing wrong, I ask them. "are you doing what is right?" in which they usually answer "no." I then go on to share a Scriptures which pertains to the particular issues at hand--God's view is the ONLY right view. According to God we are neither good nor bad, but Redeemed or Redeemable!
How very true! As a mother....viewing your children through a Biblical lens is so necessary, and yet we are so quick to not take the time to really know what that entails.
Thank you for shedding light on this. I know that I tend to label my children's behavior as good or bad as opposed to right and wrong and this is a reminder of just how
wrong I am.
What a beautiful family you have!
I've been a mama for 25 years, and God taught me that before my children were born. I have never said they were "bad" or "good" children I have always focused on their behavior. Good Words for us all.
mama of 13
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