Read Phil 1:6 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens.
Children are prone to mess up over and over on one thing or another. It’s just a part of growing up. Messy rooms, messy eating, telling stories… Young moms can probably name these faster than I can think of them now that my daughter has children of her own.
How critical should we be with our children when we believe we have told them often enough but they still can’t seem to remember? They keep making the same mistakes. As parents, it is our job to teach them proper behavior.
Let’s change the focus for a moment… What do we do that constantly irritates our spouse or an employer? Have we arrived at the place where we have it all together and live in perfect harmony with the world around us? Probably not. I still can’t always remember to cut off the lights when I leave a room. I still find myself harboring bitterness over offences I should have forgiven.
Philippians 1:6 tells us that God will continue the work he began in us until he completes it – in the day of Christ Jesus. It seems obvious to me that it takes a lifetime for this to be completed. I personally find comfort in this. God is working in my life to sand the rough places smooth, and some spots are rougher than others. We need to be patient both with ourselves and with others, especially our children, as we work through the rough spots in our lives.
Be transparent with your children. If something is difficult for you and it bothers you, let your children know that you sometimes struggle too. Let them see how God is working in your life to make you more like him. It may help them overcome self doubts when they feel like failures because of repeated mistakes. Let them know that God is working with them too.
There is a song that clearly reflects this scripture verse called “He’s Still Working on Me.” Teach it to your child and sing the chorus often when repeated mistakes start to get you down. The video is cute and funny, but watch it yourself before deciding to share it with your children. You might not want to give them any bad ideas.
by Janice D. Green, author of The Creation and The First Christmas.
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