Golden Rule and... Simplicity?

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

How many times have you tried to teach this to your children? I heard this ALL the time growing up, I was pretty mischievous, rude and very "rough" with my younger sister and brother. Yesterday, our kids in their Sunday School classes talked about this "rule". Of all the religious teachings that get altered and changed by our culture, this one is at the top of the list. Even Buddhist, Hindus, Gnostics, and yes, Rastafarians try to execute the golden rule. But, we, as followers of Christ have an rooted motive in treating others with the utmost respect- we're told in Matthew 7 that this single act sums up the law and the prophets. Because we are all created in the image of God, we are following Christ, showing Christ, and praising Christ in this simple act of loving one another. Simple? I think not.

I'm going to go ahead and tell you parents something... that could be definitive of sin in our lives and in our culture. Yesterday, as I was talking and reviewing the lesson with the kids in their classes, in the hall and in children's church, I asked them how we learned to treat people poorly. I said where is it that we learn it's ok to treat people differently, to get angry and to yell at our friends? I won't tell you the honesty of the answers I received, but I will tell you that  your children ultimately learn how to treat others from their interactions with you. The relationships your children have with you are the most foundational relationships in how children learn how to treat one another. I'm not saying that y'all are doing a miserable job of teaching your children. Because that's most definitely not the case. If you didn't care about your children's faith you wouldn't be bringing them to the church, and you wouldn't be reading the Family Ministries blog. You wouldn't be consumed with how to show Jesus Christ to your children.

 We are sinful, and because sin has invaded all of our lives, it is impossible to cling and execute the gospel at all times. We are not Jesus. We have sin, a lot of it.   Most of the time, our sin is brought to light around those who we love and adore most: our children.  I'll totally be the rude and harsh reminder of our sin and the NEED to confess it. I'll be the first to admit don't like facing my sin. That means me removing my pride.  But in this case, me choosing NOT to face my sin, risks the chance of ME sending a mixed message to our children, a message that doesn't portray Jesus.

We've heard the quote, "preach the gospel and when necessary use words". Put that into practice. I'm not going to downplay the significance of the role you have in raising your children. It's a huge deal. They're watching your every move and sadly the bad steps we take are remembered more than the good ones. It's human nature to remember other's flaws instead of attaching to the goodness of another.

BUT, be encouraged! All of us are in the same boat. None of us are without sin. Your children love Jesus.  They admire and mimic every step YOU are taking enough to put it to memory. They want to be like you! This is just a reminder that your children are your biggest fans. Live into it, let me spur you on in saying you're doing a beautiful job. Your children know of Jesus Christ because of how you live your life in a way that shows the love of Jesus Christ to others.