What is the Gospel?
“The Gospel” is translated as “The good news.” Its most basic meaning is that it’s a story, news to be shared. For students old enough this animated explanation will be very helpful.
Catechism – Week 25 – Prayer
What is the Role of Prayer in the Life of the Christian?
Jesus taught his disciples to pray with the following prayer from Matthew 6:9b-13 (ESV):
Our Father in heaven,
To whom do we pray?
We pray to God the Father to show his loving care for us, but also his greatness. Continue reading Catechism – Week 25 – Prayer
Spring Soul-Cleaning
Spring cleaning. It stinks and nobody likes it.
Yet when we do it, we realize something surprising–We collect junk!
Every year I’m shocked by how much garbage we’ve collected and how much grime we accumulated. I don’t feel like we collect junk or hold onto things too long, but when we take time to analyze everything we haven’t touched for a year, we see how much junk we really have. Continue reading Spring Soul-Cleaning
Catechism – Week 24 – Communion
What is Communion?
This week we explore the second sacrament known as Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist.
Read about Jesus’ Last Supper:
Luke 22:19-20 – And [Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (ESV)
A Helpful Distinction
“Discipline a child for being disobedient, not for being a child. Be patient with mere immaturity”-Gavin Ortlund
I feel a little ashamed that I needed this common sense quote. Like a lot of common sense, it hit me like a ton of bricks after I read it.
Having a two-year-old, I’m constantly confronted by senseless and frustrating immaturity. Whining to have shoes put on only to immediately remove them. Going to the potty, demanding to be cleaned up, then promptly sitting back on the potty to go again. Using mash potatoes like shampoo: lather, rinse, repeat.
Her immaturity often makes me have to do work, which can make it frustrating but it’s still just the result of her childish immaturity.
Since this quote has stuck with me, every time I feel myself getting frustrated I ask myself, “Is this disobedience or immaturity?” When I recognize it as immaturity, I find myself calming down (most of the time).
If we discipline mere childishness, we disrupt peace because the child can’t be a child. When we discipline disobedience, we are creating peace (though disrupting a false peace).
I hope this distinction provides you with guidance as you deal with your own children’s disobedience and immaturity.
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