Both books detail experiences of introverted people straining to adapt to a world that celebrates extroversion. We tend to admire the dynamic speaker, the confident sales person, the rapid decision makers, life of the party types. Less celebrated are the quiet thinkers, the analysts, the socially awkward, the people perfectly content to be home alone with a book.

There are also some sad stories of parents trying to mold their introverted children into bold, assertive, and dynamic young adults. Statistically, 1/3 to 1/2 f us (and our children) are on the introverted side of the continuum, yet we sometimes struggle with attempting to “cure” our kids and make them more socially dynamic. Even as an introvert, I still have found myself worrying about my son’s ability to “succeed” when he is resistant to being in groups or talk to strangers. I just asked him yesterday what his ideal day would be if he could do ANYTHING, and he told me that his first choice would be a day where he could be at home and just spend time together and hang out. He’s always been nervous talking to strangers or calling people on the phone. I’m learning that my job is not to mold him into the world’s ideal, but to foster his God-given personality and strengths while still looking for opportunities to help him get more comfortable in social situations.

I like to look at the Bible to see whether these character traits were validated. I think it’s important not to look at the Bible through the lens of today’s psychology, but it’s clear that God values many of the characteristics we associate with introversion: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was reflective and “treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:5). Another Mary, Martha’s sister, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him rather than fill it with activity (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus himself sought to get away from the crowds to ensure he had time with the Father.

At the same time, introversion is not an excuse for fear or timidity or avoidance of social interaction. God calls some introverted people to still become confident leaders. Moses resisted God’s call because he was “slow of speech” and wary of the spotlight (Ex 4:10). His fear ultimately led to God’s anger and blessing Aaron as his mouthpiece. Paul also felt the need to remind Timothy that the Holy Spirit is one of power and not timidity (2 Tim 1:7), perhaps because Timothy was too shy and cautious? It was a good reminder to me that God endows us with a personality and a temperament, but as with so many things in our spiritual life we are called to find balance and let the Lord grow us and shape us for service to Him. Two of God’s primary desires for us are to love each other and to bring His gospel to the world. Those necessitate significant interactions with people, and an introverted life of complete solitude would not be effective for accomplishing His mission.

If you have an introverted child, it’s important to understand that many institutions like school and church thrust them into uncomfortable situations and even reward extroverted values. Contemporary Evangelical church services are often geared for extroverts with raucous music, forced greeting time, and no time for contemplative prayer. There’s nothing wrong with these things by themselves, but introverts can sometimes feel out of place and disconnected in these situations. We should help our children and show the balance at home that includes focused study of His word, meditation, and concentrated and quite prayer time with God.  

As parents, we need to be discerning with our children. Introverted kids might receive messages that they are “too quiet”, “too shy”, or are loners. So it’s important for us as parents to help them see the Godly traits they exhibit – ability to study His word, to enjoy analyzing and asking questions, to form relationships and witness to those who reject being “sold” the gospel. God has given each of our children unique temperaments that require us not to change them but to help them find how their strengths can be used to serve Him and bless others.

If you’re interested, there’s lots of fun tests online to see if you or your child is introverted. Here’s one.

Humpphh! {arms folded across the chest and frowning face} “I’m sorry.”

“Would you please forgive me?” {eye contact with another person or head bowed in prayer}

Which one sounds genuine to you? Both of the above imply an attitude. One is a statement. One is a question.

Will you please forgive me? It is a call to action. This question admits guilt even if the one asking is not guilty. Asking for forgiveness places others above self. Forgiveness is the Biblical model.

There is freedom in forgiveness. Simply saying you are sorry can just mean you are sorry for being caught.

A recent visual explains it well. We often use a resource entitled, 365 Days of Celebration and Praise. Each day shares something to celebrate, questions to discuss, a related activity, a verse to memorize and a prayer suggestion. This day was ‘ Eraser Day.’ We asked the questions: “What does it take to be forgiven of our sins? When you have wronged another person, what do you say to that person, and what do you say to God?”

The related activity was to draw a heart. We followed the instructions, writing in pencil some the events of the day – good and bad. We were to record sins and shortcomings as well. We saved the paper for prayer time that night. Then, later, we talked to God about each one. We asked God to erase our sins. Then we used an eraser to “take away” the sins on our paper. We thanked God for His forgiveness!

The heart activity was a wonderful picture of forgiveness. Forgiveness wipes it all away. Saying I’m sorry just isn’t enough. We as parents sometimes have to ask our children to forgive us and start over. We might even ask forgiveness for allowing a certain behavior or habit to continue in our homes. As parents, we have the chance to model and the privilege to teach this principle of salvation daily!

When we forgive others, this unlocks the power of God’s forgiveness.

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

Helpful resources:
Doorposts Brother Offended Checklist

Ever Feel Like a Referee?

365 Days of Celebration and Praise

How do you model forgiveness in your home?

Next Week’s Author:   Tyler Robbins

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.  Most Christian father’s would agree with this verse.  When I ask men “Do you want to be a spiritual instructor in your child’s life?”  Most will say yes.  The next question is a little harder.  I will ask them “Was your father a spiritual instructor who taught you about Jesus and the Bible?”  Most will say no.  This will bring me to an even harder question, “How can you do this if you have never had it modeled?”  Suddenly a quiet will occur and the road to the heart begins it’s journey.  Jesus taught us to practice the truth; he gave us a model to follow.  But finding Godly examples to follow can be hard.  Most of us have not had them.  Because of this we realize that we need to practice our faith.  Practice being a father who gives spiritual instruction to your children.  Practice showing compassion to someone who is in need.  Practice, practice, practice.  A good athlete has put in a lot of practice.  A mature Christian has also put in a lot of practice.  Every church should be practicing  Christianity.  Our faith is meant to be applied, practiced again and again until we embody Christ in everything we do, including being a righteous Godly father to our children.  If you have yet to begin practicing your faith I can already tell you what will occur when your in the game.  I want to encourage every Christian to show up to practice and do your best. Realize your hard work spent practicing will pay off eternally.  Don’t give up because you didn’t have an example, become that example for someone else.  Begin by practicing your faith on a daily basis.

A little instruction in Christ,

Kelly

Next Week’s Author:  Tricia Hodges

Shopping in stores these days one cannot help but see the covers of magazines highlighting the recent events of celebrity lifestyles – marriages, divorces, deaths, births, and more frequently adoptions.  Celebrities are not the first to look into this as a viable option to parenting either because of infertility or simply to provide a child a better home.  Adoption can be traced back to Biblical times. The book of Exodus tells the story of a Hebrew woman who bore a son during a time when Pharaoh had offered all Hebrew male infants be put to death (Exodus 1:15-22). The mother made a waterproof basket and sent her infant son down the river with the hope that he would avoid the fate of many other Hebrew male infants. One of Pharaoh’s daughters retrieved the baby filled basket and eventually adopted him into the royal family. She named him Moses. He later went on to become one of the most faithful and blessed servants of God (Exodus 2:1-10).

Adoption has many benefits. It allows people who would not normally be able to have a child experience the joys of parenting and it offers the adoptee an opportunity for a better life and stable home. Many view adoption as a celebration, which it is, but many fail to take into consideration the potential hurdles and emotional implications of the adopted child. The excitement and celebration can overshadow the fact that for there to be this gain for the adoptive parents and child, the adoptee has had to go through their own loss – loss of connection with their biological parent. This can be a significant event for the infant or child. Oftentimes, the adoptee experiences a mixed bag of emotions (sometimes conscious, sometimes not) of gratitude and love along with shame, depression, grief, and abandonment. For a child to be taken in by another family even under the most loving of circumstances it means there was a loss for that child prior to entering the family.

Adoptees can express this “mixed bag of emotions” in a several ways, two of which are very common. An adoptee can rebel against the adoptive parents in an attempt to prove they are unworthy of love, affection and acceptance. This is a very shame-based reaction and can manifest in emotional outbursts, physical confrontations, and rage. The other common way an adoptee can respond is by being the “perfect child” with the hope their good deeds will prevent them from being given away to yet another family. This, too, is a shame based reaction. Shame is a very “heavy” emotion in that it is based on the premise that the individual is a “bad person.” This differs from guilt in that guilt is based on a behavior shame is about the person’s being . I can feel guilty about dropping my mother’s expensive vase. But a shame-based person feels they are “rotten at the core, a bad human being.” Shame is like a wet blanket that people cannot get out from under and for the adoptee is very common.  Because of cognitive development in early childhood, egocentrism (the idea that the universe revolves around oneself) rules and this means that what happens in their lives HAS to be a result of something they did or did not do. Egocentrism does not allow for many other options which makes them so susceptible to shame and blaming of themselves. Adoptees view that their relinquishment by the biological parents is somehow tied to who they are as people.

As an adoptee I came across a book in graduate school called Twenty Things I Wish My Adoptive Parents Knew. This book really hit home and I immediately asked that my parents read it. I was hesitant to suggest it as I did not want to offend my parents because I am so eternally grateful for all of the love and support they have offered me over the years. However, my dad was thrilled I suggest he read it and he stated he wished they had a book like that when they brought me home from the adoption agency.

It is imperative that all those involved with the adopted parents and adoptee be sensitive to these concepts for healthy development of the family. Adopted parents need to understand that the feelings of grief and loss are common and understandable and not to be ignored. They cannot take it personally, as this will alienate their child. Adoptive parents need to make themselves available to discuss with their child all emotional aspects of the adoption – both pleasant and not so pleasant. Open lines of communication are essential.

God has given me the tremendous gift of loving parents who show me daily unconditional love and support. I am so blessed and I am eternally grateful for my adoption. And….it has taken some effort to work through normal confusion many adoptees face throughout their lifetime.

Next Week’s Author: Kelly Patchin

On most Sunday mornings at our church, adults enter the sanctuary and the children go to class in a separate area.  As a parent of two young children, our church’s Children’s Ministry program is a huge asset.  My children enjoy their teachers, their friends, and the lessons, and I enjoy being able to drop them off and go into a more adult-oriented atmosphere.

But a couple of years ago, our church decided to try “Family Sunday.”  Family Sunday is a time for families to attend the entire church service
together.  We still have nursery and
preschool classes, but children in Kindergarten through High School are invited
to join their parents in the sanctuary for the entire service.

In the two years that we have been piloting this program, we have found that great things happen when children are included in corporate worship.

1. Children learn to sing “adult” worship songs and to see their parents worshipping God through song.  When children see you freely worshipping, they may be inspired to do the same.
2. Children are more connected to the congregation. Adults in your church who don’t have young children often don’t interact much with children in general.  This
   allows older adults and teens a chance to meet your children and to take on a greater level of relationship with your family.
3. Children are more connected to the Pastors.  By participating in Family Sunday, children begin to recognize the Pastors and Elders of the church.  When our family
   prays for the Pastor’s family, my children are easily able to identify and participate.  They have a personal connection with people that they otherwise would not have.  They are also much more likely to be friendly to adults at church, and to feel cared for by the congregation.
4. Parents become the spiritual role models for their children.  Parents model how to participate in corporate worship, prayer, how to use a bible, and even taking notes on the message.  Engaging your children in spiritual conversations at home is an excellent way to follow up with the church service.  Take time to discuss the sermon with your child again throughout the week. What your child remembers may be a big surprise to you!  Reinforce the Pastor’s message in kid language and allow them to ask questions.
5. Studies show that 76% of those who become evangelical Christians come to know the Lord when they are between the ages of 5-12. In middle and high school that number drops to 10%, and in college and beyond it hovers around 14%.  Children who are raised in church are comfortable in church, and they are engaged in church.  In short, they are connected to Jesus through the body of Christ, and they know that Jesus is real because others around them reinforce that value.

Some practical tips to use before Sunday morning:

*If your child has never attended church with the adults before, talk to them about what to expect, i.e. “First there is singing, then we pray, and then the Pastor comes up to talk about God.”

*Make your expectations for your children clear and concise. For example, “When we are singing, I expect you to stand up next to me.” The first few times that my own children
attended church with my husband and I, my children were, well…difficult and behaved poorly.  They do much better when I refresh my expectations of their behavior before Family Sunday.

*Encourage positive behaviors by rewarding them.  A pat on the back, stickers, or a special treat after service should not be underestimated.  Having a notepad and crayons or pencils available to take notes or draw illustrations of the Pastor’s message is helpful, and doodling and drawing often help with memory retention.

*Make sure that you and your children get a good night’s sleep on Saturday.  Help them to pick out what to wear the night before, or select a special breakfast to serve on Sunday morning.  Put bibles and books needed by the door so you aren’t hindered when leaving the house.

*Pray for your children’s salvation, and that the Lord reveals himself through the Holy Spirit in the Pastor’s message.  If your child is having a hard time in one particular area, pray that the message will address that issue.

*Eat eggs or another high protein food for breakfast.  This will help prevent blood sugar spikes and allow children to concentrate better.

The more connected a child feels at church, the more they will interact with the body of Christ, develop a personal relationship with God be prepared for a lifelong dedication to the Lord Jesus.

Next Week’s Author: Holly Lien

I continue to be honored to be part of Passionate Purposeful Parenting and to be among a “great cloud of witnesses.” Seeking to equip parents to raise their children in the Lord is a humbling endeavor.  In this post, I would like to share a different kind of PPP that we have implemented in our home: Praise, Prayer and Popcorn!  This Sunday evening ritual has
become a true blessing to our family.

What is Praise, Prayer and Popcorn?

Family devotional time is a very important aspect of Christian family life.  With today’s hurried lifestyle, however, it is often one of the first items on the chopping block in an effort to “make time.”  In our family, we have always read the Bible at night before bed with each child and completed a family devotional at breakfast each morning. (We are currently using Little Visits with God by Jahsmann and Simon for our children, ages 5 and 9, and I highly recommend it.)  What was lacking was a regular corporate time of prayer.  We came up with Praise, Prayer and Popcorn to help us achieve just that.

Praise

Since our church has a more contemporary worship style, my children have not learned some of the more classic hymns of our faith.  Therefore, my husband and I decided that we would teach them a few.  Each week, we pick a hymn and I (attempt to!) play the tune on the piano.  We sing it through a few times and discuss the words.  The imagery and
passion in the lyrics are a wonderful way to learn about and offer praise to our God.  Putting some of the older language into modern terms increases its relevance and meaning for our
children.

Prayer

We all want our children to develop an individual relationship with God.  Giving them opportunities to talk to God in a non-threatening way can help them on this path.  My husband and I decided on a round-robin style of prayer.  For our family prayer time, we sit in a circle and discuss the week’s prayer requests.  We also maintain a journal to record previous
prayers and answers.  We pray through the list one by one with each member adding their own simple (usually no more than one or two sentences) prayer or praise. We allow a “pass” here and there because we want our children to be moved to pray, not pressured into it.

Popcorn!

If the stomach is the way to a man’s heart then popcorn must be the way to a child’s attention.  We have found that having popcorn during this family time engages and connects our children to the material at hand.  We usually enjoy it as we talk through our prayer list.  By the time the bowl is empty, it is time to pray.  This way we eliminate any potential distractions.

Lately we have added a family meeting component to our Sunday evening ritual.  Our kids can voice complaints and requests and we can talk about them together.  We have also used the time to identify goals (for both adults and kids alike).  When a family member reaches his or her goal, we celebrate together.

We are enjoying our time in prayer, praise and popcorn as a family – a whole new kind of PPP!  What kinds of things do you do as a family to help your children stay connected to their Redeemer, Savior and Lord?

Next Week’s Author:  Susan Ottmer

The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  –Psalm 24:1

My wife recently attended a two-day blogging conference.  While at the conference, I spent the days with the children.

Our family has long had a tradition of Daddy Destinations.  A Daddy Destination is a trip to some unannounced place that I have chosen.  These trips are usually a surprise.

On a Friday afternoon, I gathered some items together and put them in the back of the van.  A tablecloth, several bottles of water, paper plates, plastic cups, and forks.  I gathered the children together and told them that we were going to get some supper.

After a stop at the KFC drive-thru for dinner, we drove to a park near us.  The park is a peaceful tract of wilderness just ten minutes from home.  We set a picnic table, and the adventure began.

After supper, we cleared the table, and went for a short hike.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.
–Psalm 19:1-4

Down the trail from the picnic area, we came to a lake.  We stayed awhile and enjoyed the peacefulness of the park.  Listened to the wind. We got away from the house, the electronics, the television and just enjoyed each other’s company.

The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the Earth he has given to mankind.

–Psalm 115:16

Nobody was ready to leave when sunset came and the park was closing.  We left thanking God for his beautiful creation.  All of the children were asking, “When can we come back?”

Next Week’s Author:  Susan Ottmer

When Kids Argue, Parents Need This Response

Summary:

Children who argue have good character qualities like persistence, perseverance, determination, creativity, and an ability to communicate their ideas. The problem with arguing is that your child views you as an obstacle, a mountain to tunnel through. The child who argues often lacks sensitivity, humility, and a proper respect for authority. Your challenge as a parent is to encourage the positive qualities and remove the negative ones.

When you sense that your child has crossed the line and is valuing the issue at the expense of the relationship, stop the dialogue. Refuse to argue. It takes two to argue, but only one to stop.

Article Content

Arguing can be defined this way: using logic and emotion to change someone’s mind without considering how the intensity of the discussion is hurting the relationship.

The child who is prone to argue will often start with “Why?” in order to find ammunition. You, of course, view it as a harmless question, and since you have the answer on the tip of your tongue you graciously give it. The child responds with “But…” and now you’re both off and running. These kinds of discussions aren’t bad (in fact they can occasionally be helpful), but some children use them as manipulative techniques to get out of following instructions or to try to get something that you’ve already said no to. Arguing can become an irritating habit, but it’s also a symptom of a heart problem.

Some parents try to talk their children into following instructions or have discussions to help them want to obey. These children sometimes can’t follow a simple instruction without a
dialogue and grow up to make poor team members, difficult employees, and demanding friends. These parents think they’re doing a good thing. “After all,” they say, “isn’t it good to dialogue with your kids?” The answer is “Yes, most of the time.” However, there are some times in family life where dialogue is counterproductive. When children use the dialogue to delay obedience or try to wear you down in order to get a no answer changed to a yes, then you have a problem.

If you have a child who doesn’t know how to cooperate, you might want to use a technique called, “Obey first and then talk about it.” This technique simply reverses the sequence of
two important elements, discussion and responsiveness. Children must first respond to your instruction and then you’ll discuss the reasons for it.

Some parents who see a need for their children to give, not just take, require obedience by saying, “Because I’m the parent, that’s why.” Although these parents may have a handle
on the problem, their authoritarian approach is inadequate because it focuses the solution on the parent instead of the child. Instead challenge children that the problem is theirs because they’re mishandling dialogue. A child may need a period of time where following instructions comes before the discussion to foster the ability to give up one’s agenda without always having to get something out of it.

When Amanda is asked to get on her pajamas and responds with, “But I’m not tired,” Mom may say, “Amanda, I’d like you to obey first and then we’ll talk about it.” After Jenny obeys, then a discussion about bedtime may take place. It’s surprising, though, how many children don’t feel the need for a discussion afterwards. Dialogue for them was simply an attempt to delay cooperation.

Children who argue have good character qualities like persistence, perseverance, determination, creativity, and an ability to communicate their ideas. The problem with arguing is that your child views you as an obstacle, a mountain to tunnel through. The child who argues often lacks sensitivity, humility, and a proper respect for authority. Your challenge as a parent is to encourage the positive qualities and remove the negative ones.

When you sense that your child has crossed the line and is valuing the issue at the expense of the relationship, stop the dialogue. Refuse to argue. It takes two to argue, and you can stop the process from continuing on into unhelpful territory. Remember that good logic isn’t the only consideration. You are also teaching your child to value relationship and learn to communicate with honor.

One of the reasons that arguing is dangerous to a relationship is that it sets the parties at odds. When children argue with their parents the relationship is at stake. Most parents feel uncomfortable with arguments, but they don’t know why or what to do about it. The child who wants to argue puts the parent in an awkward position. The child takes on the role of attacker and the parent then becomes the defender. This relating pattern sets the two up as opponents instead of partners.

The difference between an argument and a discussion has to do with relationship. When the issue becomes more important than the people debating it, the discussion has turned into an argument. The best way to teach or even discuss a problem is with you and your child on the same side of the net. Instead of allowing issues to come between you, look for ways to make the issue the opponent and you and your child partners in solving it.

Sometimes an argument can move into a discussion with a little adjusting on your part. If you believe a discussion is helpful in a given situation you might move away from an  argument mode by asking, “What are you hearing me say?” or saying, “Let’s both try to think of advantages and disadvantages of you watching a video tonight.” With these kinds of statements, you refuse to become an opponent and continue to look for areas of cooperation. The discussion then gives you an opportunity to teach problem-solving skills and good decision-making techniques.

Paul the apostle gave young Timothy advice about how to lead God’s family, the church. In 2 Timothy 2:23 he said, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” That’s not only good advice for the church. It’s great advice for the home as well. Quarrels or fights in family life often start with simple arguments.

One of the problems is that parents don’t realize they’re arguing until they’re well into the discussion. That’s okay. The point you realize that you are in an argument is the point where you’ll want to take action. Use the discomfort you feel with the interaction to act as your signal that it’s time for you to make a change. Refuse to continue. After all, it takes two to argue but only one to stop.

Next Week’s Author: Steve Hodges

It was Monday morning, Washington DC, 1984.  My status: single and working with Campus Crusade for Christ, now called Cru, at Howard University.  I had struggled out of bed and felt like I had been hit by a train.  I was totally drained of energy.  I called my boss, Charles Gilmer, and asked for the day off.  He said yes and I crawled back into bed and slept.

That weekend I had taken care of his two young boys, and his six month old nursing baby boy, while he and his wife Becky had spent four days and three nights together.  This was their first getaway from the children since the baby was born.  They made it a habit to slip away every six months to spend time together, reconnecting.  I loved being with their sweet boys, but it was exhausting being fully responsible for someone else’s children.  I wanted them to be happy and safe.

When Charles and Becky returned home, they glowed.  They used to leave for two nights but that wasn’t long enough for Becky to really unwind and relax.  I prayed that one day, I and my future husband would be able to do the same.

I started dating Mr. Wright and in 1987, I married him.  In 1991, Randy and I gave birth to our first child.  I found it hard to leave my son, even to go out for a date, let alone an entire
weekend!  Eventually we did – several years later!  We attended a marriage conference sponsored by Cru.  When we returned, we glowed.  Over the years we attended more of their marriage conferences and at other times we went away just to spend time together with no agenda.  We used a book of questions to ask your spouse and we have over twenty four years of answers to muse and laugh over.

An inexpensive way to spend time with your husband is to let your children spend four hours with another family and then the next week you take that friend’s children into your home for four hours.  This way you can plan a romantic time at home two times a month or you can work it out for once a month.   Plan a few sleepovers too.

The best gift we can give our children and grandchildren is our marriage.  When they grow up with memories of their parents dating and going away together, it will help them do the same with their spouse.

God decided it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone.  He didn’t give Adam children to answer that need.  He gave him a wife.  I haven’t been the best nurturer of our marriage nest, but I’m learning to hold our dates sacred.  It’s important for me to be ready ahead of time and not be distracted.  This way, I let Randy know I value him and the time I spend with him.

A word picture Randy told me, helps me be intentional in setting aside our times together.  He said that in Matthew 25, five handmaids were ready for the bridegroom’s appearance.
They had their lamps lit and enough oil to last through the night.  But the other five handmaids did not bring enough oil.  They wanted the first five to share but that would leave them without enough either.  So the five unprepared ladies left to buy more oil in the middle of the night and when they returned, the door to the bridal party was shut.  They could not
join in on the intimacy of the evening.

Be prepared and ready, not distracted or late.  Keep it special and sacred.  May your face glow!

Next Week’s Author:  Joanne Miller

I love when God reinforces his truth in many different ways.  This last month I have been studying about God’s glory.  What does glory have to do with being a servant?  Well let me tell you.

In the Old Testament God’s glory is part of his essential character and displayed in his acts as well as visible, bright splendor. When God’s glory was present it filled the temple so no one else could enter. (2Chron.7:1-3) When God’s glory was revealed to Moses, Moses had to put a veil over his face because no one could look on the radiance  displayed in his face. (2Cor. 3:7-18)

When God’s glory was revealed all could see.

When Jesus returns, again his glory will be revealed for all men to see.  There will be no confusion about who is the “King of kings” and “Lord of lords”.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ Is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10-11)

At the first coming of Jesus, God chose to come to earth in the form of a man, being completely God and completely man. He could have chosen to come in radiance and splendor.
His presence could have been recognizable to all men in all his glory.  But God in his sovereignty and love for us chose to come as a humble baby and model a life of a servant. For
those who didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah, they could not see his glory.

God’s glory was manifested only through the eyes of faith.

So this brings me to my tie in.  As I studied the glory of God I realized how much it tied to our family devotional study on being a servant.  We have been reading through a book with our children called Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. (I highly recommend it for school age children.)  Our focus has been on being a servant.

Jesus came to be a servant. Not because he had to and not for himself.  He humbled himself, taking the nature of a servant for our benefit.  He was a living example of how we should live in right relationship with a holy and glorious God and with other broken people.  Jesus was a servant so that we would follow his example and therefore share in and show his glory.

Philippians 2:3-8

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature^[a] God,  did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,  but made himself nothing,   taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,  being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself  and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

But there is one more thing!

The glory of the new covenant! The Spirit!

God has given us his glory!  For those of us who have given our lives to the Lord Jesus, we share in his inheritance and in his glory.  His surpassing glory is revealed in us through his Holy Spirit.

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2Cor.3:17-18)

We can take the attitude of a servant because Jesus modeled exactly what that looks like and he gives us his Spirit. We reflect the Lord’s glory because we have him living in us and we are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.

We can teach our children to be servants amidst a self-focused, prideful generation.

It takes work!

Jesus’ example is not an easy one for us to follow, we are not perfect.  But for those of us who know Jesus as our savior we have a perfect Spirit at work in us.

Here are some things we are doing:

*We have memorized Philippians 2:3-8. We encourage our children to meditate on this passage and allow God to work it in their hearts each day.

*Look for opportunities to serve in our home and out of it.

*Say the magic words, “What can I do to help you mom/dad?”

*We have a list on our refrigerator that I had my daughter type out. We talk about how we can serve and pick a focus for each day. Here are a few:

Characteristics of a True Servant

Knows that all assignments are from God

Will be quick to volunteer

Does not desire to have authority

Doesn’t need recognition

Will do more than is required

Will serve with a joyful attitude

Thinks of others before himself

Desires that God receives the glory

Next Week’s Author:  Linda Wright