We’ve been having some behavior issues with La Petite Belle.
Shocking, I know.
In the words of her K-3 teacher, the lovely Mrs. Avery, “Whatever La Petite Belle (but used her real name of course) does, she does at 100 percent. We just have to make sure what she does is for the Lord.”
So true.
This girl always wants to be first … the fastest … the best … at EVERYTHING from eating cereal to giving the longest hug.
Imagine our distress in this current battle waging against her wanting to be the best at bad attitudes, arguing, and disobedience.
It truly is a battle.
As she and I were having one or our weekly heart-to-hearts about these issues that have been arising, I expressed my concern about the condition of her heart.
She confessed she knew the difference between right and wrong. Whew! Thank God. That’s one thing in our favor.
I seem to always have to put a different spin on the same old principle or idea:
1. Foolish choices = sad consequences; Wise choices = blessings.
2. When we know something is wrong and we do it anyway, we are in sin.
3. God gives children one real command to obey their parents.
4. When we choose to disobey our parents (or teachers or other authority given by our parents), we are choosing to disobey God.
5. There’s a difference between loving Jesus and living for Jesus.
Yada, yada, yada … I could go on with more, but I’ll spare you my teacher language.
Basically … Same principles … OVER and OVER and OVER again.
In our conversation, I told her when she chooses to not listen to the Holy Spirit when He’s prompting her, she’s essentially saying, “SHUT UP, JESUS!”
Oh my! She began to wail … “I do not tell Jesus to shut up! I would never tell Jesus to shut up!” More and more tears came.
I said, “Well, that’s what you’re doing. You’re telling Jesus to shut up when you refuse to listen to what He’s telling you to do and choosing to do what you want to do instead.”
Whoa! That hit me like a ton of bricks.
Hello, kettle!
Oh, how God uses these parental moments to speak to us.
I heard the Lord say to me, “That’s exactly what you do.” I think He may have even called me a hypocrite.
When I choose to ignore His voice, I’m telling my Lord to shut up. Not just when He’s urging me to do the right thing, the holy thing, the compassionate thing, the forgiving thing … but, when He’s urging me to do something for Him in the way of ministry or relationships.
I want to say, “Here I am, Lord. Your servant is listening.”
But, it just doesn’t always end up like that.
Oh, how I want it to.
(On a side-note: I really wanted to title this post “Shut up, Jesus,” but were concerned you would be offended. See? Censorship in action.)
Wow! Although that one stung a little, I needed it. Your honesty is refreshing! I love how our Father disciplines us while we are disciplining our children. A true eye opener!
great post. I was always amazed (and at times a little annoyed) how God tended to use the learning lessons with my kids on me!!! This is a good one.
I do believe that we are all called to love and live for Jesus and that choosing the path that is against His will is choosing a sinful path. It is also important to recognize that the sinful path, the temptation, is put there by Satan. Satan is working against us at all times. Let her yell "Shut Up" to Satan! Conquering Satan by choosing the Lord's path is awesome!
Sheepishly admitting that I stand guilty right along side of you. It puts things in a whole new light when you look at it from this perspective.
I had to think of you this weekend when one of my boys cut up a few toys and got in big trouble. (I think it was one of your girls who cut up the mattress, etc.) I just could not believe it! You will have to share with me your talks on cutting things up. UGH!
Once again I am certain that you have bugged my house! On top of all that you've said, I am also guilty of "letting" Laura deal with our 9 year old girl issues. Shame, shame on me.
You're an awesome momma – and funny!
This was a wonderful post. Sometimes I feel like I don't explain things to my kids so they get it, about sin. But in reality there are times I just don't or refuse to get it.
Great post, Shut Up Jesus would have made me laugh, only because I've been reading here for a few years. Gosh, saying that, wow, that is mind blowing. Has it been that long? That just shows my age…I'm getting oldER and forgetful!
hits me square in the eyes too…
ha! "Shut up Jesus" – would've been a great title *wink*.
So, so true.
I am almost daily getting these mommy lessons as I teach them to my boys.
It's some what disconcerting. (and very needed)