It's a great line from the movie, "A League of Their". Tom Hanks plays the baseball manager for an all Girls team trying to keep the normalcy of baseball alive in a country where nearly all it's men were serving in the military during World War II. Hanks' star player, Dottie (The Queen of Diamonds), decides to quit the team prior to the start of the World Series to go back home to Oregon. Her reasoning for leaving the team, "it got hard". That is when Hanks' fires back with his classic response, "it's the hard that makes it great".
Now maybe it's a stretch to pull this movie line into spiritual parallels but do you ever feel that Christianity is simply too hard. The Call of Discipleship is stifling. It's almost like Christianity feels like the "No Fun" zone. Look at all the things we have to give up. Look at all the sin the world joyfully endeavors in that we have to resist. If that wasn't enough, Jesus tells me to love those who "hate" me, pray for all the punks in the world who "persecute" me and then I even have to give up my own life to live sacrifically for Christ. You want to talk about hard!!!
Sometimes it feels like we are called to do the impossible. To truly live for Christ and not for self, feels so "hard" that it makes me wonder if Tom Hanks quote here would fit. Where is the "great" of Christianity found? Now I could ramble off all these Scriptures, ideas, or theology but honestly, where's the fun in that? Parents, talk to your Students about that very question and see what they come up with. Is their view of Christianity the "no fun" zone or do they see the "great" in it? You might be surprised at what you hear. By the way, it would be in your best interest to spend some time in prayer over your answer.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Who is God?
Art Linkletter used to have a show called, "Kid's say the darndest things". Bill Cosby recreated that show decades later. The premise of the show was to put kids on stage and have them interviewed about things in their family, life, and even politics. The hilarity came with the things that would come out of their mouth. Ask any Kindergarten teacher and they will tell you that you never know what you can learn about a family from the mouth of a 6 year old. It makes me wonder what my 3 angels (or devils depending on the day) would say about me? Would they say I'm playful, angry, busy, addicted to Penn State Football, competitive, loving, obsessive, vulgar, and hopefully Christ-like. I guess they could say all of those thing because in some ways they all could describe me. How would you and your Student describe God?
We could describe God as full of Grace and loving. No greater testament to that than Jesus Christ himself. We could call him powerful, he did speak the world into creation. We could call him jealous (Exodus 20:5). We could call him angry (Amos 1:3). We could call him forgiving, joyous, and paternal. Just like me, we could use all these to describe God and in some ways I personally like them all, even the angry part just as long as he's not angry with me! But there is one descriptor of God that really makes me nervous. There is one aspect of him that shakes me to the core and leaves me scrambling, God is intimate.
In Luke 12:7 Jesus tells us that God loves us and knows us so well that he even knows all the hair on our head (or lack thereof for some). Now that is what I call intimate! He knows my comings and goings. He knows my thoughts actions, dreams, ambitions, and even the little white lies I've told that no one knows. He knows my insecurities, my failures. He knows my successes, my faith, and everything about me. He knows me better than My Bride does. I don't know about you, but that is kinda scary. There are a lot of things I don't want people to know about me for obvious reasons, the main one being, will they still love me or respect me if they knew all of me? I guess it should be comforting to know that God still does but I don't know how he does. It is one of those things that just doesn't make sense and while it scares me it also in a way draws me closer to him.
Parents, talk to your Students about all the different aspects of God. My list above is hardly exhaustive. Ask them the parts they love about God and the parts that make them nervous or scared. Share with them your thoughts. Be honest with them and your Student will be honest with you. God will know if you are holding anything back and believe it or not, your kid probably will too.
We could describe God as full of Grace and loving. No greater testament to that than Jesus Christ himself. We could call him powerful, he did speak the world into creation. We could call him jealous (Exodus 20:5). We could call him angry (Amos 1:3). We could call him forgiving, joyous, and paternal. Just like me, we could use all these to describe God and in some ways I personally like them all, even the angry part just as long as he's not angry with me! But there is one descriptor of God that really makes me nervous. There is one aspect of him that shakes me to the core and leaves me scrambling, God is intimate.
In Luke 12:7 Jesus tells us that God loves us and knows us so well that he even knows all the hair on our head (or lack thereof for some). Now that is what I call intimate! He knows my comings and goings. He knows my thoughts actions, dreams, ambitions, and even the little white lies I've told that no one knows. He knows my insecurities, my failures. He knows my successes, my faith, and everything about me. He knows me better than My Bride does. I don't know about you, but that is kinda scary. There are a lot of things I don't want people to know about me for obvious reasons, the main one being, will they still love me or respect me if they knew all of me? I guess it should be comforting to know that God still does but I don't know how he does. It is one of those things that just doesn't make sense and while it scares me it also in a way draws me closer to him.
Parents, talk to your Students about all the different aspects of God. My list above is hardly exhaustive. Ask them the parts they love about God and the parts that make them nervous or scared. Share with them your thoughts. Be honest with them and your Student will be honest with you. God will know if you are holding anything back and believe it or not, your kid probably will too.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
As Iron Sharpens Iron
I just came back from a significant lunch. We did not discuss budgets, politics, the cure for cancer or anything of the sort. We simply talked about our families, our struggles, our praises, and the mutual desire for our lives and families to be focused on God. In the age of power moves and high rolling business luncheons, I feel that this very lunch was far more impactful and carried a more significant impact on my community and Church then anything else. I left Freebirds full from my burrito, encouraged, and slightly sad. The sadness comes from the wonderment of whether the rest of you have relationships that push you to a higher level of holiness and devotion to God.
An extremely tough lesson to learn is the significance of outside relationships. We very seldom see the impact of our Friends and Family in our own personal walk with God. Have you ever taken stock in the relationships you have at work, school, or even Church and asked yourself whether those relationships are drawing you closer to God or pushing you further from his truth? Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron so does one man sharpen another." Are your relationships sharpening you for God's service or making you dull and apathetic to the influences of the world?
Often times I come across Students who suffer from the poor choice of friends or even the poor choice in who to date. I ask these kids why they chose to hang out with people who don't love God or date people who aren't in love with Jesus? Typically I get the response, "look who Jesus hung out with, aren't I supposed to be like Christ". It's a good comeback but it has it's flaws. Immediately I ask them what was the nature of Jesus friendship with "those" people? Was he the influencer or the influencee? We all have levels of relationships. We have those acquaintances that we see every once in a while and they are nice but not overly impactful. We then have that intimate ring of relationships that carry a ton of influence as to who we are and what we do. My question is, what do those relationships look like?
I once visited with a Mother who was concerned about the friends her son was hanging out with. I simply wondered out loud, "I wonder what the Parents of those boys are saying about their relationship with your son?" That's a tough question to hear isn't it? It's a tough question that I have to ask myself. Is my Bride, My family, My Church, and this Student Ministry better for my presence and influence or worse off? Am I providing my share of the "iron" to sharpen them? Ask yourself and your Student that question.
For some families, these questions might possibly spark a long and intense discussion on the nature of their kid's relationships. For some families, especially if you have teenage boys, the discussion may only last a few minutes with the final response of, "uhhhh I don't know". If this is what happens when you talk to your kids about this don't be alarmed and don't push, now is the time to pray. Pray with your kid about their friends. Pray for them to have friendships with people that love God and will sharpen their "iron". PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE THEY WILL MARRY. Pray that they will marry God loving and Jesus worshipping people who will help them in their walk. Pray that your own Child will be an influencer for God. The significance of friendships may be lost on the Student, but don't let it be lost on you. Pray out loud for these things and let your Student hear that prayer. Believe it or not, the audible prayer will find it's way to significant meaning eventually in their hearts.
An extremely tough lesson to learn is the significance of outside relationships. We very seldom see the impact of our Friends and Family in our own personal walk with God. Have you ever taken stock in the relationships you have at work, school, or even Church and asked yourself whether those relationships are drawing you closer to God or pushing you further from his truth? Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron so does one man sharpen another." Are your relationships sharpening you for God's service or making you dull and apathetic to the influences of the world?
Often times I come across Students who suffer from the poor choice of friends or even the poor choice in who to date. I ask these kids why they chose to hang out with people who don't love God or date people who aren't in love with Jesus? Typically I get the response, "look who Jesus hung out with, aren't I supposed to be like Christ". It's a good comeback but it has it's flaws. Immediately I ask them what was the nature of Jesus friendship with "those" people? Was he the influencer or the influencee? We all have levels of relationships. We have those acquaintances that we see every once in a while and they are nice but not overly impactful. We then have that intimate ring of relationships that carry a ton of influence as to who we are and what we do. My question is, what do those relationships look like?
I once visited with a Mother who was concerned about the friends her son was hanging out with. I simply wondered out loud, "I wonder what the Parents of those boys are saying about their relationship with your son?" That's a tough question to hear isn't it? It's a tough question that I have to ask myself. Is my Bride, My family, My Church, and this Student Ministry better for my presence and influence or worse off? Am I providing my share of the "iron" to sharpen them? Ask yourself and your Student that question.
For some families, these questions might possibly spark a long and intense discussion on the nature of their kid's relationships. For some families, especially if you have teenage boys, the discussion may only last a few minutes with the final response of, "uhhhh I don't know". If this is what happens when you talk to your kids about this don't be alarmed and don't push, now is the time to pray. Pray with your kid about their friends. Pray for them to have friendships with people that love God and will sharpen their "iron". PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE THEY WILL MARRY. Pray that they will marry God loving and Jesus worshipping people who will help them in their walk. Pray that your own Child will be an influencer for God. The significance of friendships may be lost on the Student, but don't let it be lost on you. Pray out loud for these things and let your Student hear that prayer. Believe it or not, the audible prayer will find it's way to significant meaning eventually in their hearts.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Arctic Outbreak
Just as I am typing this blog I am looking outside and contemplating the serious "Arctic Outbreak" that is heading to South East Texas. I am what you would call a weather junky. I am constantly searching the web for up coming fronts, chance or rain, or pressure systems heading our way. Don't ask me why I do this. I'm not a farmer and whether it rains, snows, hot, or cold my life doesn't change too much but this cold air coming my way has got me in a tither. I've got my chainsaw in the back of my truck heading to some friends to cut and split some firewood for the upcoming cold. I've prepare a warm shelter for my precious dogs to keep them safe. I've insulated my pipes, laid out some cold weather gear, and made sure the cars are full of antifreeze and filled up. This is way overkill!!! You would think I lived in Canada but alas I am in Texas where it will be cold next week and 70 degrees the week following. As I take stock of my weather preparations it makes me consider if I am just as tenacious in my preparations for the coming events in the life of a Christian.
We believe that Jesus is coming back and that a judgment day will happen but how ready are we? Are we preparing our hearts and souls to face our Savior? Are we anticipating the words, "well done good and faithful servant" Mt.25:21 or are we expecting something else? Are we confident in our standing with God or are we blindly walking through the days verbally admitting the Savior is coming but not actively preparing for that return?
After we answer those questions and if the answer is "yes" then what about the friends and family that we love? What about the casual acquaintance or lunchroom friend at school who knows we live in faith but they unfortunately do not? Are we prepared to share to gospel with them? Are we prepared to help guide them through the above qustions in their own personal lives? This is scary stuff. Being prepared to share your faith takes courage and strength. In most people, including me, the troubling part of preparing myself to share my faith is what if I don't have the answers and what if I want to share my faith but have no idea what to say? In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told to always, "be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have". This brings up 2 problems for me, will people recognize a hope in me, and will I be able to give an answer?
In most Students they struggle with the "Superman" syndrome. Nothing will ever happen to them and mortality and eternity are difficult concepts to follow. Truth be told, they are difficult for this 34 year old. Parents, sit down with your kids this week and talk about eternity. It will be a tough topic and one you may not have grasped either. Talk about it anyway. Share your hope or desire for them in their walk with God. Share your hope for yourself and your own walk. Talk about how your life now is preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Keep the words simple, and work on your answer that you will give to your friends and loved ones when they ask you about the hope you have. Be prepared. In that light I'm closing this blog off for today, there is firewood that needs to be cut. Bring on the cold!!
We believe that Jesus is coming back and that a judgment day will happen but how ready are we? Are we preparing our hearts and souls to face our Savior? Are we anticipating the words, "well done good and faithful servant" Mt.25:21 or are we expecting something else? Are we confident in our standing with God or are we blindly walking through the days verbally admitting the Savior is coming but not actively preparing for that return?
After we answer those questions and if the answer is "yes" then what about the friends and family that we love? What about the casual acquaintance or lunchroom friend at school who knows we live in faith but they unfortunately do not? Are we prepared to share to gospel with them? Are we prepared to help guide them through the above qustions in their own personal lives? This is scary stuff. Being prepared to share your faith takes courage and strength. In most people, including me, the troubling part of preparing myself to share my faith is what if I don't have the answers and what if I want to share my faith but have no idea what to say? In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told to always, "be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have". This brings up 2 problems for me, will people recognize a hope in me, and will I be able to give an answer?
In most Students they struggle with the "Superman" syndrome. Nothing will ever happen to them and mortality and eternity are difficult concepts to follow. Truth be told, they are difficult for this 34 year old. Parents, sit down with your kids this week and talk about eternity. It will be a tough topic and one you may not have grasped either. Talk about it anyway. Share your hope or desire for them in their walk with God. Share your hope for yourself and your own walk. Talk about how your life now is preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Keep the words simple, and work on your answer that you will give to your friends and loved ones when they ask you about the hope you have. Be prepared. In that light I'm closing this blog off for today, there is firewood that needs to be cut. Bring on the cold!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Gift of Contentment
I shudder just simply thinking about the possibilities. My body seems to have a nervous reaction that is simply uncontrollable. My breathing quickens, my hands tremble, and I break into a cold sweat. So what could possibly bring forth this violent physical reaction; why the Mall of course!!! I am only slightly exaggerating this behavior as my Bride can attest. The Mall, especially during this time of year, is jam packed with people rushing to find that perfect gift even if it is for a person they barely like. Credit cards come flying out of wallets and purses with reckless abandonment. I simply get overwhelmed with the crowds and the shear expense of money being dropped! Part of this apprehension is simply my intense frugality that some may even call "cheap" but alas it is so much more. Watching this go down forces me to ask the question, if there were no presents and if Christmas was simply time with the family and remembrance of Jesus' birth would that be enough to label it as a great Holiday?
In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul is expressing his thanks for the monetary gift the Church in Philippi sent him. A kind gesture no doubt, but here in this passage while Paul is expressing his gratitude he wants the hearer to be sure that regardless of the physical gift, Paul was content simply with whatever the Lord provided. It is amazing to me to see the complete reliance on God and the contentment in a man that was lacking so many of the creature comforts we all have. Contentment is definetly a spiritual gift and a discipline that many Christians, yours truly included, struggle with.
If you didn't receive that special Christmas bonus, the new job, new car, or date with the hottest girl in school would you be O.K.? Now let me clarify, contentment does not mean that being slightly disappointed that something didn't happen is wrong. Contentment is simply realizing that God provides everything you need and anything extra that happens is simply icing on the cake. Contentment is looking at this Christmas season and simply relishing in the gift of Christ and those you love. Contentment is eagerly wanting something, anything, to come to fruition and realizing that if it doesn't the quality of your life is not lost. A heavenward focused people find joy in what God has provided and realizing that the "extra" blessings are just that; "extra" and not required. This attitude of contentment is not only Godly but also healthy for the emotional well being. It allows people to find joy in the gift of salvation and to remain a stable living testimony of the goodness of God no matter what life brings.
As I write this I am considering the multitude of presents that my Children will open Christmas morning or the near certain Cabelas gift card that will be awaiting me under the tree. I'm thankful for all those things and I pray I keep them in perspective. A tradition in my family to help keep this in perspective is the reading of the birth story of Jesus found in the book of Luke. We each take a turn reading part of the story. It is the last thing we do before, "the children all nustled up snug in their beds."
I hope you all have a great Christmas and I hope one of the gifts you give to God this year is the gift of contentment.
In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul is expressing his thanks for the monetary gift the Church in Philippi sent him. A kind gesture no doubt, but here in this passage while Paul is expressing his gratitude he wants the hearer to be sure that regardless of the physical gift, Paul was content simply with whatever the Lord provided. It is amazing to me to see the complete reliance on God and the contentment in a man that was lacking so many of the creature comforts we all have. Contentment is definetly a spiritual gift and a discipline that many Christians, yours truly included, struggle with.
If you didn't receive that special Christmas bonus, the new job, new car, or date with the hottest girl in school would you be O.K.? Now let me clarify, contentment does not mean that being slightly disappointed that something didn't happen is wrong. Contentment is simply realizing that God provides everything you need and anything extra that happens is simply icing on the cake. Contentment is looking at this Christmas season and simply relishing in the gift of Christ and those you love. Contentment is eagerly wanting something, anything, to come to fruition and realizing that if it doesn't the quality of your life is not lost. A heavenward focused people find joy in what God has provided and realizing that the "extra" blessings are just that; "extra" and not required. This attitude of contentment is not only Godly but also healthy for the emotional well being. It allows people to find joy in the gift of salvation and to remain a stable living testimony of the goodness of God no matter what life brings.
As I write this I am considering the multitude of presents that my Children will open Christmas morning or the near certain Cabelas gift card that will be awaiting me under the tree. I'm thankful for all those things and I pray I keep them in perspective. A tradition in my family to help keep this in perspective is the reading of the birth story of Jesus found in the book of Luke. We each take a turn reading part of the story. It is the last thing we do before, "the children all nustled up snug in their beds."
I hope you all have a great Christmas and I hope one of the gifts you give to God this year is the gift of contentment.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Adolescents is a NIGHTMARE
Sleep experts report that every person has dreams when they sleep but only a small fraction of those dreams are remembered. We can all think back to recurring dreams that you and I have had. The dream that I most vividly remember during my adolescents is the one where I go to school and magically I realize that I am not wearing any pants! There I am in homeroom wearing a shirt and "whitey tighties". Talk about humiliating. Everyone is looking and pointing. Thoughts are running through my head like how embarassed I am and why did I go to school with no pants!?! I never found an answer to that particular question but maybe my dream is the reality that most Students face. No, I'm not saying that your kids go to school with no pants on, but rather so many of us feel so self-conscious that everyone notices us and particularly our flaws. Self confidence is a HUGE issue for everyone but it is amplified for the adolescent.
I deal with Students regularly who struggle with this as well as Parents who are deeply concerned as to how their child can feel accepted, valued, and significant without crossing the boundaries of arrogance. I see Students who are over compensating for the insecurities through falsified romantic relationships, moronic behavior, and sometimes drugs and alcohol. There are usually tons of reasons for this lack of self confidence and to confine all of those into one neat package is basically impossible, HOWEVER, the one consistent trait that I find in all these situations is a skewed view of how God views them. In other words, they don't see what God sees and therefore find it difficult to live as God says.
In our college break out group last night we looked at Ephesians 1:4 where Paul talks about God who "chose" us before the creation of the world. He even refers to us as God's "sons". Talk about a significant title. He chose us despite our frailities. He chose us despite our flaws and imperfections. He chose us despite how he knew we would fail him. He chose us simply because we are significant and made in his image.
I am reminded of a Student several years ago who was fresh and new to faith and had lived a life contrary to God's calling in the past. Her family life was less than ideal and she was the epitomy of self conscious. She didn't look good enough, she didn't have the right family pedigree, she had no money. Her dark past and the fact that she didn't quite look like everyone else gave her a feeling that she was constantly being scrutinized and didn't measure up. She was living a nightmare. How do you convince that kid that they are significant? For her, what was needed was a constant reminder in gentle assurance that she is precious for no other reason than God said so. There were also times where she had to be told strongly that self doubt was no longer tolerable. Her lack of confidence lessened her God and his ability to do great things through her. There were many conversations that were sweet and reassuring and sometimes she just had to be told to get over herself!! The result, one day during a camp she looked at my Bride and told her how beautiful she was, my Bride immediately snapped back and said "thanks and so are you". She waited with baited breath as this Student echoed out these words, "I know I am. I'm made in God's image". Hallelujah!!! She was getting it and now she needed to work on keeping it.
The harsh reality is that often times our own lack of self-confidence is projected onto our kids and we inherit it. We as Christians need to humbly walk with a great deal of self-confidence. We are not mere men and women but rather we are chosen sons and daughters of the most high. Sit down this week with your Student and talk to them about how you chose your spouse and why you are so glad that God chose you to be your Student's Parent. Tell them of the traits that God has put in them that should humble them because it makes them so significant. Most of all, quit living like a step-child. You are all chosen by God!!!
I deal with Students regularly who struggle with this as well as Parents who are deeply concerned as to how their child can feel accepted, valued, and significant without crossing the boundaries of arrogance. I see Students who are over compensating for the insecurities through falsified romantic relationships, moronic behavior, and sometimes drugs and alcohol. There are usually tons of reasons for this lack of self confidence and to confine all of those into one neat package is basically impossible, HOWEVER, the one consistent trait that I find in all these situations is a skewed view of how God views them. In other words, they don't see what God sees and therefore find it difficult to live as God says.
In our college break out group last night we looked at Ephesians 1:4 where Paul talks about God who "chose" us before the creation of the world. He even refers to us as God's "sons". Talk about a significant title. He chose us despite our frailities. He chose us despite our flaws and imperfections. He chose us despite how he knew we would fail him. He chose us simply because we are significant and made in his image.
I am reminded of a Student several years ago who was fresh and new to faith and had lived a life contrary to God's calling in the past. Her family life was less than ideal and she was the epitomy of self conscious. She didn't look good enough, she didn't have the right family pedigree, she had no money. Her dark past and the fact that she didn't quite look like everyone else gave her a feeling that she was constantly being scrutinized and didn't measure up. She was living a nightmare. How do you convince that kid that they are significant? For her, what was needed was a constant reminder in gentle assurance that she is precious for no other reason than God said so. There were also times where she had to be told strongly that self doubt was no longer tolerable. Her lack of confidence lessened her God and his ability to do great things through her. There were many conversations that were sweet and reassuring and sometimes she just had to be told to get over herself!! The result, one day during a camp she looked at my Bride and told her how beautiful she was, my Bride immediately snapped back and said "thanks and so are you". She waited with baited breath as this Student echoed out these words, "I know I am. I'm made in God's image". Hallelujah!!! She was getting it and now she needed to work on keeping it.
The harsh reality is that often times our own lack of self-confidence is projected onto our kids and we inherit it. We as Christians need to humbly walk with a great deal of self-confidence. We are not mere men and women but rather we are chosen sons and daughters of the most high. Sit down this week with your Student and talk to them about how you chose your spouse and why you are so glad that God chose you to be your Student's Parent. Tell them of the traits that God has put in them that should humble them because it makes them so significant. Most of all, quit living like a step-child. You are all chosen by God!!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I hate apologies!!!
All three of my children have and are currently big fans of a chain of children's books written by Mercer Mayer. In this series of books he chronicles the life and adventures of a furry creature named "Little Critter". A week or so ago I read to my 3 year old son Mercer Meyer's book "I'm Sorry". In the story, Little Critter, goes through a series of "oops" moments. Whether it be spilling the milk, breaking a vase, or letting the water in the bath tub run over. After each of those moments Little Critter responds with his patented, "I'm Sorry". The book ends with Little Critter's Mom giving him a big hug and explaining that "I'm sorry" loses a little of it's meaning if it is not followed up with a change in behavior.
For Little Critter, saying "I'm Sorry" is not an issue but unfortunately it is for me. I'm great at forgiving wrongs or restoring people who have done me wrong but if I have to submit myself before someone and seek their forgiveness it rattles me to my core. My pride comes screaming out and in an effort of self preservation my lips become locked and I just can't seem to get out the words, "I'm sorry". It seems that most people I encounter usually fall to one of the two extremes. Either the apology comes so easy and is followed with no change in behavior OR the mere words and humility are buried under prideful ambitions. Which one are you?
Humility is a scary thing. Humility is the allowance of youself to be in the presence and control of someone greater than you. Our culture has made humility which God exalts as a source of strength, read Philippians 2, into a proverbial dirty word. What is so wrong with submitting to Parents, Teachers, each other, or even God? When has humility been associated with weakness? What a fallacy the world has convicted us of. Humility is one of the strongest characteristics found in Christ which can also be found in you and me.
Typically Students are 16 going on 30. They want the freedom and often times their desire for that bypasses the necessity of humility. All too often I see Parents that are too interested in being their Student's friend then their Parent. To be completely clear, this is NOT humility but rather selfishness. In many families the appropriate question of, who's in charge, needs to be asked. Humility does not take away leadership or strength. Parents, have you ever made a mistake while Parenting? Please say yes so that I'm not the only one! Would it be appropriate to apologize to your own children? I believe so. It would demonstrate strength and expectation of your Children to follow that example. It doesn't demean you or take your autority away, it makes you Christ-like.
Students, do you really want to be in charge of your own life? Do you really want all that it entails and encompasses? Are you big enough to go out on your own? Probably not. Even though your Parents may not be perfect let me tell you a secret, NEITHER ARE YOU!! Humility is something that is deeply need in our families, Churches, and communities. Don't be afraid to submit to your Parents and and Parents don't be afraid to demand that submission. Remember that question we asked earlier, who's in charge?
I still hate apologizing but it is still necessary for me to do. I'm not perfect and to overlook my own frailities makes me less of a leader and less like Christ. I don't know about you, but maybe I need to read Mercer Mayer's "I'm Sorry" and learn a slight lesson from Little Critter.
For Little Critter, saying "I'm Sorry" is not an issue but unfortunately it is for me. I'm great at forgiving wrongs or restoring people who have done me wrong but if I have to submit myself before someone and seek their forgiveness it rattles me to my core. My pride comes screaming out and in an effort of self preservation my lips become locked and I just can't seem to get out the words, "I'm sorry". It seems that most people I encounter usually fall to one of the two extremes. Either the apology comes so easy and is followed with no change in behavior OR the mere words and humility are buried under prideful ambitions. Which one are you?
Humility is a scary thing. Humility is the allowance of youself to be in the presence and control of someone greater than you. Our culture has made humility which God exalts as a source of strength, read Philippians 2, into a proverbial dirty word. What is so wrong with submitting to Parents, Teachers, each other, or even God? When has humility been associated with weakness? What a fallacy the world has convicted us of. Humility is one of the strongest characteristics found in Christ which can also be found in you and me.
Typically Students are 16 going on 30. They want the freedom and often times their desire for that bypasses the necessity of humility. All too often I see Parents that are too interested in being their Student's friend then their Parent. To be completely clear, this is NOT humility but rather selfishness. In many families the appropriate question of, who's in charge, needs to be asked. Humility does not take away leadership or strength. Parents, have you ever made a mistake while Parenting? Please say yes so that I'm not the only one! Would it be appropriate to apologize to your own children? I believe so. It would demonstrate strength and expectation of your Children to follow that example. It doesn't demean you or take your autority away, it makes you Christ-like.
Students, do you really want to be in charge of your own life? Do you really want all that it entails and encompasses? Are you big enough to go out on your own? Probably not. Even though your Parents may not be perfect let me tell you a secret, NEITHER ARE YOU!! Humility is something that is deeply need in our families, Churches, and communities. Don't be afraid to submit to your Parents and and Parents don't be afraid to demand that submission. Remember that question we asked earlier, who's in charge?
I still hate apologizing but it is still necessary for me to do. I'm not perfect and to overlook my own frailities makes me less of a leader and less like Christ. I don't know about you, but maybe I need to read Mercer Mayer's "I'm Sorry" and learn a slight lesson from Little Critter.
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