Puppies and Teens
We got a new puppy. His name is Howie, short for Howitzer. He is a lovely dog. Cuddly, warm, fun loving, not very destructive, loyal, and overall one of the best dogs we've ever had. As a young pup, he wanted to be with us every moment of every day. Then he hit 4 months and decided it was time to expand his territory. He began to lift his leg to pee, point at interesting objects, and bark at strangers entering our house. His bark even changed from his baby yip to a big boy bellow. It was then, that I realized, my puppy was becoming a teenager.
No longer content to be with us every waking moment, Howie would disappear around the corner to investigate exciting new frontiers of the house and dig into interesting smelling items. He discovered he could reach items on the kitchen counter which were by far more delicious than his dog food. And while he wasn't being extremely naughty, he knew better than to do many of these things while we were watching him. I love my dog, but right now, Howie is not especially trustworthy. However, with the proper training, he will get there. (And isn't he cute? Photo credit: Noah's Bark Pet Salon and Spa)
Interestingly enough, we have another teen in the house, but this one is our oldest son. He is wonderful as well, much of the time. I am confident he knows right from wrong. He is well versed in academics, athletics, and household work. We have poured our lives into this child - teaching him, encouraging him, disciplining him, and holding him to a high standard. While we watch, this child usually does very very well. When he is not being watched, sometimes his teenage tendencies get the best of him.
Raising dogs and raising children seem to be very similar. In fact, I asked my college aged Sunday school class the other day, "Why are parents supposed to raise their children to be obedient?"
"Because you don't want them to be wild."
"Because it is a reflection of the parents."
"Because the Bible says so."
Actually, those are most of the same reasons we raise our animals to behave as well. But while all of these answers have some truth, the fact of the matter is, none of them capture the complete truth. I want my dogs to be well behaved because I want a peaceful home, they are a reflection of me, and I believe it honors God when we care for and train our animals. But children are different. Even though pets can bring a lot of joy into a home, pets do not have a soul. Children do. And while raising puppies and raising children are very similar there is one stark difference.
I reminded my students as I remind myself, raising children isn't about creating a product. It isn't about behavior modification. It isn't about making the parents look good. I raise my children with two specific goals. First to teach them about Christ. And second, to bend their will to obey authority - primarily God's authority.
Our pets only have to learn to obey us. But our children must move from obeying their parents to obeying God. What I want most for my children is for them to have an undying passion for the Lord and for them to obey and love Him for eternity. That has always been my prayer from before they were born. When I teach them, I teach them not only about the rules of our home, but the Law of God. When I love them, I explain that love doesn't come from me, but it flows through me from Jesus. When I discipline them, I explain that I have to do this, because I am accountable to God. Everything I do is motivated by my love for God which extends to them. And when they are older and have their own children, they must do the same.
So where does this idea come from? Well, it emanates from many places in scripture. But here we find it laid out fairly clearly. We are to raise, train, and discipline our children in the same way God raises, trains, and disciplines us. And we do so out of love.
I love my dogs and I love my kids. But there is a much grander plan for our children than simply behavior modification, and that should always be reflected in how we parent.
No longer content to be with us every waking moment, Howie would disappear around the corner to investigate exciting new frontiers of the house and dig into interesting smelling items. He discovered he could reach items on the kitchen counter which were by far more delicious than his dog food. And while he wasn't being extremely naughty, he knew better than to do many of these things while we were watching him. I love my dog, but right now, Howie is not especially trustworthy. However, with the proper training, he will get there. (And isn't he cute? Photo credit: Noah's Bark Pet Salon and Spa)
Raising dogs and raising children seem to be very similar. In fact, I asked my college aged Sunday school class the other day, "Why are parents supposed to raise their children to be obedient?"
"Because you don't want them to be wild."
"Because it is a reflection of the parents."
"Because the Bible says so."
Actually, those are most of the same reasons we raise our animals to behave as well. But while all of these answers have some truth, the fact of the matter is, none of them capture the complete truth. I want my dogs to be well behaved because I want a peaceful home, they are a reflection of me, and I believe it honors God when we care for and train our animals. But children are different. Even though pets can bring a lot of joy into a home, pets do not have a soul. Children do. And while raising puppies and raising children are very similar there is one stark difference.
I reminded my students as I remind myself, raising children isn't about creating a product. It isn't about behavior modification. It isn't about making the parents look good. I raise my children with two specific goals. First to teach them about Christ. And second, to bend their will to obey authority - primarily God's authority.
Our pets only have to learn to obey us. But our children must move from obeying their parents to obeying God. What I want most for my children is for them to have an undying passion for the Lord and for them to obey and love Him for eternity. That has always been my prayer from before they were born. When I teach them, I teach them not only about the rules of our home, but the Law of God. When I love them, I explain that love doesn't come from me, but it flows through me from Jesus. When I discipline them, I explain that I have to do this, because I am accountable to God. Everything I do is motivated by my love for God which extends to them. And when they are older and have their own children, they must do the same.
So where does this idea come from? Well, it emanates from many places in scripture. But here we find it laid out fairly clearly. We are to raise, train, and discipline our children in the same way God raises, trains, and disciplines us. And we do so out of love.
Hebrews 11:9-11 reads "Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
I love my dogs and I love my kids. But there is a much grander plan for our children than simply behavior modification, and that should always be reflected in how we parent.
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