(6th Nov to 12th Nov 2005)
These are my notes on what character/moral training is going on around here. I have been thinking about parental training in terms of our children "putting off" the old self and "putting on" the new creation in Christ. I need to be able to help my children to do this.
For the first time I felt I have expressed what sin does to a relationship in a way that a young child can understand. After going through a discipline issue with Daniel I left him in his room till he was ready to restore the relationship. He came out and threw himself in my arms, declaring, “I want to obey God.” I was very excited to hear his heart response.
We are also dealing with a core issue of selfishness. This is expressed in not coming back to mum when finished a job and reading a book instead, not playing other children’s games, being a drama queen and drawing attention to self, fussing over clothes. My biggest question I am asking at the moment is “Who are you thinking of right now?” Answer: Myself. “Who would Jesus have you think of in this situation?” These questions not only get to their heart but also help them come to their own conclusions about their behaviour/choices.
We continue to work on pride issues. We discussed this week that to him who much is given much is expected. I was not just talking of gifts / talents but also of Christian heritage. I discussed that when pride is in our hearts we will not be available to God for him to use us. Neither will lives produce much fruit.
Adult conversation – tricky when kids are growing up – they are understanding adult conversation and adult humour but not quiet there as adults yet. Need to teach the kids to only continue adult’s conversation/humour not to introduce it. Need to teach them signals from me when I think they have said/done enough.
