Creating, collecting, and sharing thoughts and ideas. And learning along the way.
Competing with the Setting Sun
“Mommy, it’s Thursday already, where are you?!”
And How Do You Do, Nyla?
“In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live ? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.”
Such a coincidence that I was discussing the topic of parenting older children just earlier today with a friend! The author of this book is quite clear on what the parents’ role ought to look like — the parent is responsible to lay down the law and enforce it, whether or not the child appreciates it. And the parenting analogy is transposed to our heavenly father who treats us in the way we ought to treat our children. For it is in love that the parent instructs and even disciplines one’s child. So, if you find yourself questioning God’s ways with you today, gentle reader, remember this may be in God’s plan for you!
