I think at the heart of what has nudged this sin and the HS discussion to the front of my mind is the unwise comparison between the depravity of my own children, and the apparent goodness of others’ children. Now, my children are generally considered well-behaved, especially when they’re out in public, and people often comment on their behavior.
But, especially because my perspective is a wee bit different than many Christians (I’m far slower to spank for offenses), I’m plagued by self doubt. I see the depravity of my children developing as they get older. It is frightening. Are my kids ill-behaved because of me, or because of them? And I wonder how other moms feel when they’re around my kids. Maybe they feel a lot better about themselves! Of course, comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise. In this case, though, I’ve been drawn to discover what the Bible says about my unregenerate children. This has been encouraging to me. And maybe I should consider how to respond to moms who are struggling with the same thoughts when they see my [generally] well-behaved children.
To the law and to the testimony! I need to continue looking into God’s word for my perspective. I need to ask God for wisdom about my actions as a parent and whether they please Him. I need God’s grace as I seek to apply His Word to everyday life.
Still, in the quiet moments before the rest of the house awakes, I wish that I could eliminate the tendency to compare. Guess I can pray about that, too.
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