I appreciate this
saying that popped up on Safari this morning from a great leader...
“The time is always right
to do what is right”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In a world where “doing right” is greatly influenced by the culture and the
times (take a look at history) How can one really know what “doing right” is? I
say it’s going back to the one and only authority on “right-eousness”.not
society, not famous people, Just God and His word, found in the Bible. If
“right” does not pass the God-test, it is not right no matter what others say.
My opinion is that Dr. King would agree.
How does this apply to parenting? Sometimes I think I’m doing what is right by
displaying “right-eous” anger at things my child does wrong. I try to justify
my anger because I know I’m “right.”
Sometimes society will agree or disagree with various consequences that parents
use, and these change with history as well. What is always constant and worthy
to emulate is the “right-eousness” of Christ. When we go to the Bible we find
in James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, make note of this. Everyone should
be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger because human anger does
not produce the righteousness that God desires.”- NIV Using the reverse, I can
seek to emulate Christ by using genuine curiosity/questioning when my children mess
up, which allows me to practice being quick to listen and slow to speak. Many
times, when we fully understand our child’s view, we can see more clearly to
implement consequences that teach and train our children without anger guiding
us. Who knows, maybe we will be blessed and they will follow our example.