I am a wife and mommy. My job is far from glamorous, yet the whole of civilization rests on the shoulders of women like me. I love my job and would rather be here at home changing diapers, wiping noses and rocking cradles than anywhere else in the world. Now, my job has a lot of perks, but last week I was made aware of one of the "downsides" to having my children around me all day, every day. Being with me all the time gives them plenty of opportunities to witness my weaknesses, my shortcomings, my sin...
One day last week, after a particularly difficult morning, I was talking with my children about sin. We had all struggled with our imperfection that day and I wanted them to know that I understand their struggle and, even more, that I struggle, too. We talked about the fact that every person ever created struggles with sin and that we will until we are with Jesus. I belabored my point, saying that they sin and mommy sins and daddy sins... It was at that moment that my four year old looked at me curiously and said, "I've never seen Daddy sin. Are you sure Daddy sins?" Now, I'll admit, there was slight urge to confirm that daddy does, in fact, sin, but almost immediately I was grateful for the fact that my children have a daddy whom, in their eyes, is a true representation if their heavenly daddy, Jesus. The reality that their own father does struggle will be clear to them all too soon. Still, there was that second where I felt - dare I say - a little jealous of the fact that while it was impossible for them to imagine their beloved Daddy sinning, they accepted the fact that Mommy sins without even batting an eye. Ok fine, I have smart, observant kids and they've cracked my code - I'm far from perfect. And even though I really am more sanctified now than I was two years ago, they will never have a perfect mommy.
So, what does that mean for my kids? Will my sin scar them for life? Thankfully, no. Because God, in His grace, has been showing me that my kids don't need a perfect mommy, they need a mommy who is willing to show them what to do with their own sin by being a godly example in how she deals with her own. Okay, so my imperfection is actually good for them? In a way, yes, it is. They will never be without sin this side of heaven either, and dealing effectively with our own sin does not come naturally. They need to be taught. They need a mommy who reacts in anger to humble herself before them and ask for their forgiveness. They need a mommy who speaks rudely at their daddy to humble herself and ask for his forgiveness in their presence. They need to hear me confess my own sin in prayer and ask for grace. How will they know to go to the Cross with their own sin if they don't see it happen? It's a perfect example of Christ's strength being perfected in my weakness.
So, my husband can show them what it looks like to live as Christ and I can show them what to do when they don't. We make a great team.
One day last week, after a particularly difficult morning, I was talking with my children about sin. We had all struggled with our imperfection that day and I wanted them to know that I understand their struggle and, even more, that I struggle, too. We talked about the fact that every person ever created struggles with sin and that we will until we are with Jesus. I belabored my point, saying that they sin and mommy sins and daddy sins... It was at that moment that my four year old looked at me curiously and said, "I've never seen Daddy sin. Are you sure Daddy sins?" Now, I'll admit, there was slight urge to confirm that daddy does, in fact, sin, but almost immediately I was grateful for the fact that my children have a daddy whom, in their eyes, is a true representation if their heavenly daddy, Jesus. The reality that their own father does struggle will be clear to them all too soon. Still, there was that second where I felt - dare I say - a little jealous of the fact that while it was impossible for them to imagine their beloved Daddy sinning, they accepted the fact that Mommy sins without even batting an eye. Ok fine, I have smart, observant kids and they've cracked my code - I'm far from perfect. And even though I really am more sanctified now than I was two years ago, they will never have a perfect mommy.
So, what does that mean for my kids? Will my sin scar them for life? Thankfully, no. Because God, in His grace, has been showing me that my kids don't need a perfect mommy, they need a mommy who is willing to show them what to do with their own sin by being a godly example in how she deals with her own. Okay, so my imperfection is actually good for them? In a way, yes, it is. They will never be without sin this side of heaven either, and dealing effectively with our own sin does not come naturally. They need to be taught. They need a mommy who reacts in anger to humble herself before them and ask for their forgiveness. They need a mommy who speaks rudely at their daddy to humble herself and ask for his forgiveness in their presence. They need to hear me confess my own sin in prayer and ask for grace. How will they know to go to the Cross with their own sin if they don't see it happen? It's a perfect example of Christ's strength being perfected in my weakness.
So, my husband can show them what it looks like to live as Christ and I can show them what to do when they don't. We make a great team.