BY STEVE DUNN
This is my youngest grandson, Caleb Jay Huther. His mother is my youngest daughter, Katie; and her husband, Jason--a high school principal. Today Katie recorded this conversation on her Facebook Page.
Caleb: Daddy, can I type letters on your computer?
Jason: Sorry buddy it's charging
Caleb: It's charging?
Jason: Yep and we can't touch it while it's charging
Caleb: but Daddy ... How can it be charging if there is no cord plugged in?
Jason: (moment of silence) ... Well buddy ... I didn't realize you were smart enough to figure that out
Katie added: ... Hah! My educator husband with a million degrees was just outsmarted by our three year old!
I wonder how often I approached my children with the same attitude.
In the Bible, we read of a young pastor, Timothy. A young pastor/apostle who was given authority far beyond his years. Yet he had wisdom, passion, and a mature faith. He received this counsel from an older Christian leader, Paul. And this was Paul's guidance:
"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:2 NLT
The church is often guilty of discounting its young. Oh yes, they want their church to attract youth because "they are the church of the future. But how much time and energy is spent on actually discipling them? Or bridging the gap between worship that is often very adult-focused and worship that draws children and youth into the presence of God?
And although they lack experience, God often gives children and youth discernment and wisdom beyond their years. In what way do we try to answer their questions honestly? In what way do we give them leadership opportunities that allow them to learn how to be leaders?
Just thinking today .....
Jason: Sorry buddy it's charging
Caleb: It's charging?
Jason: Yep and we can't touch it while it's charging
Caleb: but Daddy ... How can it be charging if there is no cord plugged in?
Jason: (moment of silence) ... Well buddy ... I didn't realize you were smart enough to figure that out
Katie added: ... Hah! My educator husband with a million degrees was just outsmarted by our three year old!
I wonder how often I approached my children with the same attitude.
In the Bible, we read of a young pastor, Timothy. A young pastor/apostle who was given authority far beyond his years. Yet he had wisdom, passion, and a mature faith. He received this counsel from an older Christian leader, Paul. And this was Paul's guidance:
"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:2 NLT
The church is often guilty of discounting its young. Oh yes, they want their church to attract youth because "they are the church of the future. But how much time and energy is spent on actually discipling them? Or bridging the gap between worship that is often very adult-focused and worship that draws children and youth into the presence of God?
And although they lack experience, God often gives children and youth discernment and wisdom beyond their years. In what way do we try to answer their questions honestly? In what way do we give them leadership opportunities that allow them to learn how to be leaders?
Just thinking today .....
© 2015 by Stephen L Dunn
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