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The Eschatology of Parenting
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Yesterday I helped a toddler clean up a 44 ounce cup of Coke Zero he’d spilled everywhere (yes, it was mine; and no, there were not 44 ounces left remaining in it when he found it). I answered forty questions about whether Jesus made Lego blocks (so stay tuned for my new sermon series on “The Logos and the Legos”). And I disciplined a tantrum thrower and a sulker.

All of that was about the end times.

When we think of Christian eschatology, we tend to think first of prophecy charts or apocalyptic novels, but nothing is more eschatological than parenting.

A parent disciplining a child, for instance, communicates to the child the discipline and judgment of God in ways deeper and more resonant than any Sunday school lesson (Heb 12:5-11). A parent who will not discipline a child for disobedience, or who is inconsistent in doing so, is teaching that child not to expect consequences for behavior.

In short, a parent who will not discipline is denying the doctrine of hell.

At the same time, a parent who disciplines in anger or with harshness teaches a judgment of God that is capricious and unjust. An abusive parent, worst of all, ingrains in a child’s mind a picture of God as a ruthless devil who cannot be trusted to judge justly.

Parental discipleship and discipline ought always to have repentance and restoration in view, picturing a God who is both just and the justifier (Rom 3:26). Discipline should be swift and fair with quick reconciliation between parent and child. Long periods of “time out” do not communicate the discipline of God; they communicate the isolation and exile of hell.

Parents who spend time with their children, especially at meals, demonstrate something of the harmony they want their children to long for beyond this life. It’s a longing to eat at another Father’s table in the kingdom of Christ.

Moreover, we should teach children to respect and acknowledge authority, attributes necessary for citizens of a democracy for a short time, yes, but more necessary for subjects of a kingdom forever. Teaching children to refer to adults as “Mr. Smith” or “Mrs. Jones” or “Pastor Doe” and to say “sir” and “ma’am” (or the culturally equivalent signifiers of authority) is about more than politeness. It is training children to recognize proper hierarchy and authority when the veil is lifted and we see face to face.

Those of you who are parents probably grow weary and discouraged sometimes. I know I do. It seems as though you’re not “getting through” sometimes, that your children aren’t responding the way you thought they would. Keep hugging. Keep kissing. Keep chastising. Keep teaching. This is a long-term project. You’ve got a long-term project in front of you. And there’s a lot at stake.

After all, parenting isn’t about behavior modification. It’s about Christian eschatology.

Russel Moore, Southern Theological Seminary

Together

"It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, but if there's no one to help, tough! By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, The Message

Next Tuesday

Next Tuesday, our very own Linda Galle will be speaking to us about Christmas and traditions. We are really looking forward to hearing all she has to say! She is always great!

What are some of your Holiday traditions?

Fun Times!

We had fun last Tuesday at our meeting. Ginger, one of our Mentor Moms brought these amazing ornament cupcakes, Carlee showed us how to make fun cards, and brand new baby Leslie came to visit us! Fun times!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving all you Mommies!!! We are thankful for you!

Preschool Craft Idea

Make your Own Fall Ornament

First gather these materials.
Flour
Water
Salt
Toothpicks
Red, Orange and Yellow Paint, such as non-toxic poster paints or acrylics
Paint brushes
Leaves—scour the yard or neighborhood for all the shapes and sizes that catch your child’s eye
Let’s Start!

Remember! Always supervise your child throughout the project.
Mix equal amounts of flour and water with a little salt to make the dough. This dough will harden on its own, so no baking will be required.
Divide and roll the dough into small balls and flatten them to about 1/8-inch thick.
Press the leaves into the dough, and gently peel them off to remove them, leaving the imprint of the leaf in the dough.
With your toothpick, poke a hole through the top of your ornament. Make it large enough to later thread a thin ribbon or piece of yarn through. Let the ornament harden thoroughly.
Once solid, paint your ornaments in fall colors. Or create multi-colored leaves! Let your child be expressive!
After the paint is completely dry, string bright- or complimentary-colored yarn or ribbon through the holes, and adorn your house with the beauty of autumn! Everyone cherishes handmade crafts. So encourage your child to make a few to give as gifts, too.
These leaves leave a lasting impression! Happy fall! (from Gerber.com)

Painting Plates

Thanks to Angela, we had a fun craft today at Mops, painting pictures on glass plates. Some used a pattern, and some amazed us and painted free hand. We all agreed that it was a fun time and it was nice to complete a task without interruption.