Quote:
Originally Posted by aron
I have a view that I call "The two kingdoms". ...
The kingdom which that growing child constructs is ultimately between them and God. What we can do, beyond what has been stated by others on this thread, which I agree with heartily, is to build our own kingdom and let God flow. Because God is real and does want to flow. If we push our version onto the little vessel in our care it does them a great disservice. Because our version is on display 24/7 already, and they are sponges.
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This is a very insightful perspective,
aron. Already I can see my 7 month old mirroring me. It is delighful and, at times...scary (as in "Oh, geez, she picks up everything I do - yikes!"). As you may glean from my previous posts, I agree with you that the "kingdom" which my child constructs is between she and God and in that light, I can but endeavor to live in THE kingdom, which - as you say - will be on display to my child 24/7.
I do think, however, that the
manner in which my child will construct her "kingdom" is something extremely important and something which can be inparted to her (to some extent).
Some "kingdoms" get constructed by default - i.e. that which is established after living with no thought of how you're living. This can apply even in the most neutral or positive of environments. Being raised in a Christian community can be, for a child, no different than if they were raised in a Hindu community. They learn the cultural norms and mores. They master the social interaction. They strive for acceptance, even prominence, all according to those very human standards. This may be a good living, but it is still the result of living with no thought or contemplation of how you are living (if that makes sense).
Alternatively, "kingdoms" can get constructed by particular agendas. I won't elaborate - I think we know these...
I believe that, while I cannot impose a particular "kingdom" on my child, I can influence the way she approaches its construction, even before she knows Christ. We can teach them as Paul taught the Athenians (Acts 17) -
24The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;
25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things;
26and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,
27that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.'
In everything they do - particularly when they run into disappointment - we can teach them to question, to ask God "Why" and to consider what is the source of all that they confront. I believe a life lived in this way won't produce just any ole "kingdom." Indeed, it might just introduce them to their King.
This may be a case of "be careful what you wish for," but I believe a "groping" child is a healthy one...
Grace to you,
Peter