"Were you raised in a barn?" is one of my favorite expressions for questioning the rudeness and messiness of others. On occasion I've heard or said things about the behaviors and attitudes of other people's children. I've been guilty of saying stuff about how their parents aren't teaching them manners or I can't believe the parents let him/her go out dressed like that. To be honest, I am an equal opportunity grumbler- sometimes, I wonder the same things about my own kids.
I know I taught them to say "please", "thank-you" "ma'am" and "sir", manners matter was the mantra of their formative years. If you should see or hear them out and about, know without doubt---they DO know better.
Children, whether in reality or only in my imagination, are perceived to be a reflection of the parent's parenting. My parents are exceptional (not perfect but great) and I was raised on a firm foundation of loving discipline and built up with encouragement and positivity. You wouldn't have always known that by my actions. Let's just say it probably looked like there was serious structural damage at times.
Today I was thinking about a passage in the Bible where Jesus tries explaining to the Judeans that their lack of love for him came about because they listened to their father the devil. I have been mulling over those verses from the book of John and taking a look at myself, and the image isn't very flattering. I profess Christianity and yet still reflect more of the devil than of my Father, God of the universe, the Creator of all.
It was a scary realization. Other's are seeing my actions, inaction, attitudes and demeanor. How do I measure up as a child of the King? What must the world in general and those closest to me think of my Heavenly Daddy based on what they see in me?
Just as my parents have forgiven my many wrongs and still love me, just as I forgive and overlook the misdeeds of my own children and continue loving them, God still loves me. But I know there is a grave disservice in how I am representing the family of Christ.
Hopefully, in the not too distant future everyone will see be able to see my Father's traits mirrored in me. Then you can be certain I belong in a mansion not a stable.
