The Children's Pastor

What if our children's observation of their relationship with you or I is that we care more about our device than them? Obviously, that would be devastating! Unfortunately that’s what children are saying; and likely way more than we want to think. Simply being in the room—being present—doesn’t mean our presence is a present. Our presence becomes a present through intentional engagement and authentic connection with our child; and others. This begs the question: what are we doing with our time?

This week we talk about the downside of being an overprotective parent. Often we as parents try to shield our children from consequences, but the reality is there are valuable lessons and opportunities for growth when getting both an actual skinned knee or the metaphorical one.

I recently came across a quote from Parent Cue that basically said that as parents we're leading in the present but fighting for the future. In the midst of the daily chaos we are called to be good stewards of our children. This means we have to sometimes say no, but doing so in the posture of mercy, justness, and faithfulness.

Our culture, but really each of us at times, don't like discipline or accountability. That said, the Bible has much to say about the role of a parent and discipline. Kids don't need a parental friend. They need someone who from time-to-time will loving be the "bad guy".

Why? If you've been around any child you know that this is a standard response. Kids ask lots of questions, often for various reasons. The same is true when it comes to their developing understanding of God and faith. And it makes sense in light of what John chapter 21 tells us. God has given us a perfect revelation so that we can know Him, but that doesn't mean we know everything about Him. The curiosity of a child's simple faith and desire to know should inspire us to ask questions too.

Can kids handle the Gospel? Does it need to be watered or dumbed down? Let's start with what the Bible has to say about this. The Apostle Paul gives some insight into the childhood of his mentee and friend Timothy. Paul shares that from childhood Timothy's adults connected him to God's Word knowing that it gives wisdom for salvation. It wasn't too much for him. The same is true for children today. They can handle the Gospel. They need the Gospel.

Here's the hard truth: screens are being utilized as a substitution for parental attentiveness. At a bare minimum, this is a misuse of the purpose of screens. Maybe worse, it's bad stewardship of parental responsibility. Children need more from their adults than a technological pacifier.

SCREENS! The use of screens, or electronics, is something that most grown-ups that interact with children deal with on a day-to-day basis. So let's be honest: you probably have a love/hate relationship with them for various reasons. And you probably move along the spectrum of love or hate depending on the day and situation.

This week I'm joined by Anna Heatherly--my wife- to talk about how she took the initiative to "exorcise" screen usage in our home.