Have you ever seen children who at a very early age begins to take on the demeanor of one (or both) of their parents?
We all know that children take after parents in some ways. We know they learn things from us at all times.
At different times, I remember seeing young children sitting what seemed to be in a gloomy stupor. Sitting with a glazed-over stare at the floor. They seemed overwrought with sadness. But how was this true at such a young age?
It was sad to see that sometimes those kid’s parents were modeling that same behavior for them on a daily basis—all day long. Sometimes children watch their mommies who are sad, resentful, depressed, and very rarely happy—all day long.
They see through being a family that is always “going to church” to the ever-present reality that marriage and family and all of life is a drudgery. No joy. No encouraging relationships. Instead, little ears hear gossip sessions on the phone. Little ears hear back-biting distrust pointed towards almost every relationship their mother has. Little eyes see what mommy really spends her time focused on during the day. Little eyes never see mommy in love with daddy. Sure, there may be Facebook pics of “date night,” to communicate an image to outsiders, but the kids see a different reality each night of the year.
The same is true with little ones watching their daddies. Dads who take the over-intensive parenting style tend to produce little nervous, anxious, people-pleasing, rule-keepers or rule-breakers who have never been allowed to express their emotions nor their individuality.
They are teaching their children something—but it may be the furthest thing from the free grace of the gospel.
Dads on the other end of the pendulum who believe passivity is the easiest course are revealing that they don’t really treasure or take serious the gospel’s directives in our lives.
The reality is that children are watching at all times. They are listening and watching and learning when we are intentionally teaching them truths from the Bible pages. And they are listening and watching and learning when we are unintentionally teaching them what our hearts treasure.
What are my attitudes, complaints, and frustrations teaching my children if they are void of the gospel?
What are my acquisitions, joys, and celebrations teaching my children if they are not seen as passing moments from an eternally enjoyable Giver of all things?
Do we realize that taking our kids to church but living lives that betray the lessons taught there do extreme danger to young thoughts and faith?
Most everything we talk about or drive past or fight over or cheer for and most definitely those things that we want but do not have are all great opportunities to bring God and His glorious gospel into the conversation.
Sankie P. Lynch
www.nbchurch.info
www.nbfamilies.info
sankie@nbchurch.info
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