Jeremiah, my three-year-old grandson, follows me around just like my shadow, talking every minute. I usually try to answer his endless stream of questions and teach him something useful, but after a while I get exhausted. He is not content to just talk; he finishes every statement with a question, “Isn’t that right?” The other day I was working on a project and was trying to concentrate on something tedious. I was trying to ignore him, but was growing a little irritated at his interruptions of my every thought. So when he next “demanded” a response from me, I answered him in an absentminded, flat, clipped tone that didn’t welcome any further discussion.
I was drawn back to reality when his tone changed from that of a constantly prattling child to a serious challenge: “Why are you talking like that?” “What?” I asked. “Why are you talking like that?” “Talking like what?” I asked. “Like that,” he answered in an accusatory tone.
Wow! A three-year-old psychologist! He was perceiving my attitude and judged it to be inappropriate. Rebuked by a three-year-old, indeed I was! He was simply expecting the best from me, nothing but love and support, complete appreciation and dedication. Instantly I repented and started pouring “interested,” rapt attention into this three-year-old’s important conversation.
How do you judge the age or maturity of a soul? When can it be hurt—perhaps even permanently scarred? I fear that we may be doing the most serious damage to a child’s soul in their youngest, most formative years, simply because we can’t see what is behind their “childish” prattle—a God-instilled love for and desire to be with “their” grownups. Is it any wonder that Jesus said so poignantly to his disciples (and to us!): “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)?
Lord, please give these old eyes renewed incentive to see what you see in the lives of all the little ones you send my way. Amen!
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I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 4
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Thank you again Mr. Pearl, for opening my eyes to this potentially harmful, soul-changing subject. I have four children, and each one of them, regardless of age, (from 2 up to 12) they KNOW when they have my undivided attention. I wasn't aware, however that by ignoring or giving answers to put an end to rattling on, I could be doing damage to their little souls. I now realize that I am shaping their world-view in a way that teaches them that adults have more imortant things to do than to converse with them. I love all my children, and most of all my Lord, whom has entrusted them to my care...and I now intend to show them how important my relationship is with the Lord, and with them as well. Thanks for another article that stings as I read. Your wisdom is much accepted and appreciated!
Thank you again Mr. Pearl, for opening my eyes to this potentially harmful, soul-changing subject. I have four children, and each one of them, regardless of age, (from 2 up to 12) they KNOW when they have my undivided attention. I wasn't aware, however that by ignoring or giving answers to put an end to rattling on, I could be doing damage to their little souls. I now realize that I am shaping their world-view in a way that teaches them that adults have more imortant things to do than to converse with them. I love all my children, and most of all my Lord, whom has entrusted them to my care...and I now intend to show them how important my relationship is with the Lord, and with them as well. Thanks for another article that stings as I read. Your wisdom is much accepted and appreciated!
Hi there! I couldn't find a reference to God riding between the horns of a unicorn. Could you please send me that reference? Thank you for everything you do!!
Hi there! I couldn't find a reference to God riding between the horns of a unicorn. Could you please send me that reference? Thank you for everything you do!!
I just watched the video and want to know how do you deal with it if it is your family? I have a brother-in-law and a cousin.
I just watched the video and want to know how do you deal with it if it is your family? I have a brother-in-law and a cousin.
is there really a difference in recieving the Spirit of God when we are first saved and then recieving the baptism of the Holy Spirit as in the book of Acts.
is there really a difference in recieving the Spirit of God when we are first saved and then recieving the baptism of the Holy Spirit as in the book of Acts.
My children and I have been listening to your bible question videos. After the unicorn one we looked up the concordance for the verse about God riding between the horns of a unicorn and couldn't find it. Ps 22:21 has "he heard me from the horns of the unicorns", but that was the closest we could find. If you made a mistake you might want to edit or remove that video.
My children and I have been listening to your bible question videos. After the unicorn one we looked up the concordance for the verse about God riding between the horns of a unicorn and couldn't find it. Ps 22:21 has "he heard me from the horns of the unicorns", but that was the closest we could find. If you made a mistake you might want to edit or remove that video.