I read something posted by John Piper this week that really got me thinking. He gave this quote:
"The greatest lack in the religion of children is generally a sufficient sense of sin. Robert Murray M'Cheyene."
This confronted not only my parenting, but also my parents parenting. It also gave me an overwhelming sense that our society in general would do well to reflect on this. Not really even just about our parenting but in how we act and treat each other overall. A few years ago, Seth and I decided to make some "House Rules" for our family. This was something that we felt was good not only for the kids but for us as well. We posted on our refrigerator as well is in the family devotional area upstairs. Many we took from the Duggar Family website. I have to say that reviewing them with my kids this week along with the quote above really had me reflecting on my own heart.
We can't raise our kids into loving adults who care without showing them their sin. We can't be the people we truly want to be until we search our own hearts about our sin. How we treat our family, neighbors, coworkers.
If you don't have some family rules and house guidelines I challenge you to sit down and make some. If you have them I challenge them to review them. I feel at the core of my being that the only way the world will change is when our houses and families change. We can't expect the standard to be different outside our homes if it isn't already in our homes. I'm praying that my children take these to heart as I do and that it continues to grow us more like Christ.
SWEETAPPLE-CLARKE HOUSE GUIDELINES
Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.
Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.
Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.
Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.
Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.
Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.
Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.
Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.
Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.
Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).
Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
Never raise a hand to hit.
Never raise a foot to kick.
Never raise an object to throw.
Never raise a voice to yell.
Never raise an eye to scowl.
Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!
Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)
Amendment J.O.Y. -Put Jesus first, others second, yourself last.
