(^) The times when young children engage in sexually flirtatious
activity are marvelous opportunities to help them form these biblical
concepts of sexuality. These are times to talk about what wonderful
things are in store for God’s people, who can enjoy a life of fullness
and joy sexually. It is also a great time to talk about the horrible
damage that can be brought on the person who opens himself to
sexual experience outside the context that God has ordained.
(^) As children begin to embrace these truths, they develop internal
controls against sexual sin. They recognize that sexual exploitation is
not the real thing, but a counterfeit of God given sexual enjoyment.
(^) While we have only analyzed two areas of character development,
the approaches we have demonstrated would fit any area of character
growth.
Interpreting Behavior in Character Terms
(^) We have a couple of problems in thinking clearly about character.
One is a failure to see the issues mentioned above. This failure results
in not even striving for long-term character development goals. The
other pitfall is an inability to work from behavior to the appropriate
character issues. This results in seeing only isolated bits of behavior.
The result, again, is failure to address long-term character goals.
(^) Parents tend to see their children’s behavior in very naive terms.
We see the fight over a toy as simply a fight over a toy, when actually
it is a failure to prefer others. It is selfishness. It is saying to others, “I
don’t care about what your wishes are; I want to have what I want.” It
is a determination to live in the world in a way that exploits every
opportunity to serve oneself.
(^) I am not suggesting that this analysis be delivered to your children
in the form of a diatribe, but it must be your insight as you seek to
shepherd them and help them to see themselves and their needs.
(^) Do you tend to see your children’s greedy “I wants” as the idolatry
of possessions? Or do you think that it is simply natural—something
barré
(Barré)
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