Childish Behavior
Children are known to argue and fuss over silly things. Preacher’s kids, or PK’s as some refer to them, are no different. Take, for example, my own darling children.
My wife spends quite a bit of time during the day breaking up arguments between our 5, 3 and 1-year old. Once I return home, it is my turn to become the chief peacekeeper.
Well, one day a while ago, I was just plain tired of it. I did not feel like repeating the nightly phrase, “(S)he had it first...play with something else and when (s)he puts it down you can play with it.” If I am ignored, this is followed by the question, “Do I need to get the spoon?”
So, as Samuel and Zoe fought over bubble wrap (yes, that’s right, packaging material), I decided to take a different approach. As Sam said to me, “Dad, Zoe won’t let me have it.” I replied, “Then, get it from her.” He looked at me very strangely, but then, went over to his sister, and wrestled the wrap out of her hands. With great effort, she did the same thing. This tit-for-tat process went on for about twenty minutes in our living room growing more violent in the process. As time drew on, it became obvious the children did not care about the bubble wrap anymore. They cared more about winning the war!
In fact, after we put a stop to it, we asked each child why they wanted the bubble wrap so badly? Their replies: “Because I want to win” and “because I don’t want her to have it.” What honest and horrible answers!
We understand children do these things, but how sad to see adults who never rid themselves of such “childish” behavior! Some, even in the church, are jealous of another’s “position” or envious of the praise another receives. A few demand a pat on the back and cut others down who receive the glory they feel they deserve. Such behavior starts wars.
To this, James replies, “...where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…” (James 3:16-17).
Think about it.
January 2009