Children are so stinkin’ insightful. The are able to observe us literally at the core of our being. They’re carefully attempting to measure what they “see” to what they “hear.” Therefore, it seems one could make a case supporting that many of life’s character lessons (or the lack there of) will be learned simply through observation and experience. I recognize the impact of this thinking in my life.
In George Barna’s book, “Revolutionary Parenting,” he points out that even though character is observed in one’s life, it is also important to be aware of times for deliberate conversations around the importance of embracing good and right character. He encourages households to live in an awareness that teaching and shaping must take place in daily doing life together. And I would add, over the long-haul. (longview)
When we begin to identify, demonstrate and affirm characteristics that reflect Christlikeness it raises an awareness in the thinking and observations of our young [concrete] learners and our older [increasingly abstract] learners. Our intentional words of affirmation and teaching provide children with language to describe what they are seeing, hearing and experiencing. And ultimately, identifying, the “who” they may seek to become.
In a world where much of “who” we are or what we do is measured only by what others “see,” helping children understand that deeply rooted character becomes increasingly significant.
I wonder what would happen if children were surrounded by conversations and acts of:
compassion
encouragement
humility
kindness
sincerity
perseverance
gentleness
discipline
honesty
justice
generosity
stability
mercy and love (for starters).
I wonder what would happen if we began to embraced a broad understanding that Christlike characteristics are a manifestation of Christ with us…Christ in us.
I wonder what would happen if young learners were shaped in households where words and actions were a matched set.
I wonder what would happen…
It seems we haven’t one moment to waste. We can begin to have conversations with our youngest, most absorbent learners (sponges) long before they are ever verbal.
I remember a mama who would sit and rock her 4th child, stroking his little forehead and reminding him that he was a child of God–an obedient child.
I remember sitting and rocking our little Jacie and reminding her that Peace had come to take up residence in her soul. And still declare it for and with her today.
Every time I tuck little Rylan in, I declare as the Priest declared at his baptism that he is a Righteous man of God. Not because man declares him righteous but because his Righteousness comes from his Creator.
Now, it is our job to continually move Rylan toward Righteousness, for one who hungers, will be filled. It is our job to move Jacie toward a life of Peace. It is the role of this mamma to move her 4th child toward a heart that embraces Obedience.
I would support that seeking to develop Jesus-Character is not simply a decision we make to “net” children we can be proud of or to create better households. Rather, it is intentional living, passing along and instructing a life defined by Christ-characteritics for the sake of the Christ-living.
