What We Teach Kids About God (Through our Actions)
I keep reading about this family that cancelled Christmas because their kids misbehaved. Then, of course, they turn it into an "lesson" about giving to others. "You were bad, so we are not giving you anything on the holiday you looked forward to all year. But while we're at it, we'll give to others to make ourselves look good."
The message their kids hear is, "You're being punished, so we're going to take the money we usually spend on you and spend it on someone else."
It makes about as much sense as the message, "Sit through church and don't move or make a sound, because that's what God wants you to do." This then translates, "God is boring."
Do we not realize the message we are sending our kids about God? And we wonder why our kids grow up and do not want anything to do with God. Perhaps we should look at our parenting methods, our ideas about punishment, and our actions when it comes to our kids' development. I think we'll see the answer.
The message their kids hear is, "You're being punished, so we're going to take the money we usually spend on you and spend it on someone else."
It makes about as much sense as the message, "Sit through church and don't move or make a sound, because that's what God wants you to do." This then translates, "God is boring."
Do we not realize the message we are sending our kids about God? And we wonder why our kids grow up and do not want anything to do with God. Perhaps we should look at our parenting methods, our ideas about punishment, and our actions when it comes to our kids' development. I think we'll see the answer.
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