I see a pattern. First generation Christian parents make similar mistakes. Its like a tape stuck on repeat and I wonder why it happens? I suppose that when you see your kids conforming to moral standards or religious standards in ways you never would have, it seems like things are going pretty well. And then the rug is pulled from under the parent when a heart issue becomes a surprising sin issue. The parent is caught unaware, "How could this have happened?" But all the while it was there, they just didn't make much of it. Kinda like a bit of mold you might see on the yogurt container that the next time you look, has covered the entire surface with black fuzz.
YELLOW LIGHT *WARNING* DANGER AHEAD:
Heart issues show themselves with "small" indiscretions.. little lies, disrespectful joking, emotionally charged boy/girl friendships, dating with kissing, excesses of time spent playing video games or hanging out without parents and with the opposite sex... or with non believers...
To me, these are signs of issues that need addressing Now.
I'm not a professional psychologist, a theologian, a child therapist, or a pastor, just saying I don't know that much.
But I was raised Christian, saw 5 siblings raised together work out their faith, married a man raised Christian and know intimately the stories of his 3 siblings. I have done ministry in Chicago for many years in a church full of 1st generation Christians, few who were raised in church. So that's why I'm pointing this out to my blog readers. Maybe you have seen differently.
Why err on the side of a lackadaisical "it will be fine" attitude? That's not for me. I rather make mistakes in motion. Then I know at least I tried.
Cake pops!
15th Birthday hairdo session...
Girls sewed their skirts ;-)
YELLOW LIGHT *WARNING* DANGER AHEAD:
Heart issues show themselves with "small" indiscretions.. little lies, disrespectful joking, emotionally charged boy/girl friendships, dating with kissing, excesses of time spent playing video games or hanging out without parents and with the opposite sex... or with non believers...
To me, these are signs of issues that need addressing Now.
I'm not a professional psychologist, a theologian, a child therapist, or a pastor, just saying I don't know that much.
But I was raised Christian, saw 5 siblings raised together work out their faith, married a man raised Christian and know intimately the stories of his 3 siblings. I have done ministry in Chicago for many years in a church full of 1st generation Christians, few who were raised in church. So that's why I'm pointing this out to my blog readers. Maybe you have seen differently.
Why err on the side of a lackadaisical "it will be fine" attitude? That's not for me. I rather make mistakes in motion. Then I know at least I tried.
What do you think B?
Girls sewed their skirts ;-)
1 comment:
Some keen insights here. Outward behavior CAN be the evidence of a changed heart or it can just be a child conforming their behavior for a variety of reasons. Being conformed is not the same thing as being transformed. And God is SO not into skin deep fixes. Your warning signs are right on. They should be blinking neon for parents to heed.
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