21 August 2007
What Now?
Posted by Michelle under: Discipleship; Getting Along; Uncategorized; .
One thing I’ve noticed recently is that, in spite of my questions, my children are quite happy to remain in their selfish state. Just now, David was playing on the rocking horse, and I overheard him telling Laurel, Move so you don’t get your finger hurt. Laurel, of course, didn’t move. I suggested that David move the horse over some, but he resisted that option. I asked him whether he was thinking of himself more or Laurel more. Because he told Laurel to move, he thought he was thinking of her, but when I explained that his actions showed he was giving himself the best option, his response surprised me. Okay. In other words, he now understood that he was being selfish, he understood that selfishness does not please God, but he was not motivated to please God, his mother, or his sister. I made him move anyway. (Sometimes I allow them to choose to be selfish; I don’t have a formula.) This response has been quite common lately, actually. Are you being kind? No. Does that glorify God? No. And then no change of behavior. Harumph. I feel an urge to keep probing, keep nagging, and keep lecturing, even though I sense that is not biblical or fruitful. What should I do?
I have to remind myself that the results of proclaiming the gospel to my children are not in my hands. I should not worry when my children don’t respond like I think they should (I want instant results, and I see only the outside). The response is the Holy Spirit’s job, not mine. So in the meantime, I’ll keep asking questions, keep sharing God’s Word, keep awkwardly talking about what God is doing in my life. That’s my job. What now? Self, stop worrying. Keep faithfully doing what you know is right. Let God work, and trust Him.
Popularity: 15% [?]
You may also be interested in these posts:
- Just Ask
- Prerequisites for Repentance
- A New Peacemaking Strategy
- Selfish Art and Selfish Parents
- Awareness of Guilt
2 Comments so far...
Kelly Says:
21 August 2007 at 2:01 pm.
“Love sees past today’s childishness and foresees the impact of what is done today on the future of the child. In truth, much of what a parent does is really “time released teaching……” (excerpt from your mom’s book- p51, 52) I think of this when I don’t see the results I want and keep trusting God that one day I will. YOU are doing a great job. and I agree!!!! “Let God work, and trust Him.”
Only God can transform a heart! 
Michelle Says:
23 August 2007 at 6:25 am.
Great quote. I think about time-released teaching a LOT with young children. Some days that keeps me going. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
