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When we miss the
heart, we miss the subtle idols of the heart. Romans 1 makes it clear
that all human beings are worshippers; either we worship God or we
make an exchange and worship and serve idols substitutes for God
created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:18-25). When parent
short-circuits to behavior parents miss the opportunity to help their
children understand that straying behavior reflects a heart that has
strayed. Our kids always serve something, either God or a substitute
for God some idol of the heart.
When we miss the
heart, we miss the gospel. If the goal of parenting is only securing
proper behavior we will never help our children understand the
internal things the heart issues - that push and pull behavior.
Those internal issues: self-love, rebellion, anger, bitterness, envy
and pride of the heart show our children how profoundly they need
grace. If the problem with children is deeper than inappropriate
behavior, if the problem is the way the heart has enthroned something
other than God, then the need for grace is established. Jesus came to
earth. Lived a perfect life and died as an infinite sacrifice so that
children (and their parents) can be forgiven, transformed, liberated
and empowered to love God and others.
When we miss the
heart, we miss the glory of God. Children (and adults) who have fallen
into various forms of personal idolatry need not only to tear down the
high places of alien gods, but to enthrone God. Children are
spring-loaded for worship. One of the most important callings parents
have is to display the greatness, goodness and glory of the God for
they and their children are made. Parents have the opportunity,
through word and deed, to show children the one true object of worship
the God of the Bible. We know the greatest delights our children can
experience are found in being mesmerized, delighted and intrigued by
the God who made them for his glory.
When I teach these
things parents often say, These things are not just for my kids, they
are for me. The parent who sees that is not only about to teach, but
also able to incarnate these truths for their children.
The End
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