A common phrase in our house to any one of the three kids is, "It's not all about you." This comes on the heels of a complaint or general unhappiness with what they have to do. I used the phrase a few times too many for my liking in the past few days, but it sure fit the situations. As my kids try to learn that they are part of the family, part of the equation (not the answer), part of the consideration, part of the dilemma, part of life, etc., they have some hard lessons to learn in regard to who matters most. It is not them. Then I came across a Bible verse that reminded me that kids really do matter ALOT - to God! In Matthew, Chapter 18, the disciples ask who is the greatest in heaven, and Jesus calls over a little child to stand in their midst and says, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (vs 3), "whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest..." (vs 4), "whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (vs 5), "See to it that you do not look down on one of these little ones." (vs 10). Hmm, kids are important in the eyes of God. They should be in our eyes too, but what Jesus is talking about here is their ability to believe in Him. Children believe their parents when they are young, but as they grow older, they may start to think they are smarter than their parents. They think they have life figured out. Parents know that they don't. As our kids are part of life for parents, maybe parents should be mindful of their ability to believe. When it comes to many decisions, kids are only part of the decision. When it comes to faith, kids may be the best example!
Family Discussion Points!
Who believes things easiest in your family - is it the youngest?
Why do you think Jesus talks about kids being the greatest in Matthew 18.
Talk about how each family member is only PART of the whole. Is it true when a parent says, "It's not all about you!" Will talking about this help your family? How?
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