Sunday, April 3, 2016

Maybe if you didn't say bad words sometimes

I almost knew what her answer would be in the moment that I asked her.

We were in Lancaster, PA visiting Amish country.  We had a wonderful tour guide on our bus named Rachel. She told us all about her community and the Amish and Mennonites.  She also spoke about being born again and really teaching Jesus and His word in the home.  She elaborated on the importance of family and the fact that what is taught in the home is what sticks with the child.  She told a story about how her dad answered every question no matter how big or small and that one particular day she said she had a question for her dad as he was up on a ladder, and it was getting late and her mom was urging the dad to finish up with his outside work as there was still much to do inside with dinner etc.  Her dad looked at the mom and said "Okay, but I must answer Rachel's question first".

Of course that resonated with me, it did with all of us, especially the dad's I am sure.  I often wonder what impact the way that we live in our home has on our children.  I become concerned with the fact that we don't go to church every Sunday, and that we don't memorize verses as a family, or have a nightly devotion after dinner.  I read those little blog blurbs about making a good Christian family and the aforementioned things are what every single one of them says to do.  EVERY SINGLE ONE.

I realize that is their story and I realize that I cannot do it all, however I know that there are things that we, as parents, need to make special effort about more.

It's not about what you aren't doing, as much as what you are doing.

"Dear daughter, do you remember what Rachel said about modeling in the home and about parenting with Christ?"

"Yes, mom I do"

"Do you think that you have a good Christian home upbringing?  Do we model well?"

"Maybe if you didn't say bad words sometimes".

What are you, the reader thinking right now?  Are you wondering what those words I use might be?  Some of them are seemingly innocent, you know the ones like damn and such.  But shamefully (YES SHAMEFULLY) there are words that are harsher and profane that I use when speaking to my husband.  We try to keep it secret, or in a fun joking manner however I am coming to the sobering realization that no matter how much jest is put into it, it is still NOT OKAY.  If I continue to defend my profanity with my children then I am doing them a disservice.

The Holy Bible, God's inspired word teaches us that we are not to use profanity Ephesians 4:29-30 among other verses.  It says it, out loud…okay maybe not out loud, but it is a hard and fast rule.  I consider myself a rule follower and I know I cannot possibly follow every rule (this is where freedom and GRACE through Christ comes in), but seriously…that should be an easy one.  I should interject here that we are called to lift each-other up and speak words of affirmation.

So, now I vow to really watch my mouth.  I realize my home will never be this perfect model of Christ, however I will ask Him for help daily to live in His will for my family.

Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

3 comments:

  1. Beatifully and honestly written, Jolene! Thx for sharing your heart. I have been reading the Psalms lately. Psalm 15 came to mind as I read this.

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  2. Beatifully and honestly written, Jolene! Thx for sharing your heart. I have been reading the Psalms lately. Psalm 15 came to mind as I read this.

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  3. I will be reading Psalms 15 now :)

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