Look at how God has shown His hand all throughout history... or the laws of science that He has set into place.... how about all the math skills that we have forgotten since we were in school? These are not the lessons I am referring to though. These are great, but my major seems to be in Faith with a minor in Character. Let me share the curriculum my Master Instructor uses with me....
Patience 101
This class is one of the toughest and since I am always telling my kids to tackle the hard stuff first, I place it first here. Let's just say patience is not one of my virtues but homeschooling and parenting force me to learn these important lessons. For example, what do you do when you have the same child ask you about the same math concept on the same day for the 10th time? My instinct is to say, "I've already gone over this with you," or "I cannot do every problem with you," or "Are you ever going to learn this?"
Did I mention that patience isn't one of my virtues? I obviously need help! Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord! (Psalm 121:2)
James 1:4 says, "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
According to the Greek Lexicon, patience means "steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings."
Perfect is defined this way, "brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing necessary to completeness; mature."
Since I am not yet 'perfect,' I will continue working on this subject - Course 101, 201... 3,576,432,101.
Intro to Grace
To begin, grace is defined as something we don't deserve. Think about receiving a gift you didn't earn or deserve. Think about treating your husband in a wrong manner, snapping at him or saying hurtful words, only to hear him say, "I forgive you and love you." That's grace!
None of us deserve grace. Jesus Christ is the Master at giving grace when He died on the Cross for us. None of us deserve it, we didn't (and can't) earn it, and we can never be good enough for it. Ouch. Unfortunately, I get so caught up in the grace I've received that I forget to extend it to those around me that (also) don't deserve it.
In Matthew 18, Jesus tells us about the forgiven servant who is unwilling to forgive. Oh, how I often find myself unwilling to forgive and extend grace when I have been so richly blessed with those gifts!
I have been forgiven much.... I should be willing to show the grace that Christ has shown me - especially to my children.
Basics in Discipleship
A disciple is defined as a learner, pupil or disciple. The Greek lexicon defines it as "one who follows one's teachings." This is why I need this course! Do I always follow my Teacher's teachings? Am I modeling His example for my life?
What's worse is that our children learn not just from our teachings but our actions as well. If I tell my children to behave in a certain way and they don't do it, is it just their sinful nature or did they learn from my actions? Oh, wise Teacher! Do I yell at my kids to stop yelling? (done it) Do I get angry at them for being selfish and then get angry that my selfish desires are not being met? Ok, this is where I have to go back and study grace...
“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!" Matt. 10:25
Each student will be like his master.... think about the traits in the people that (ahem) "challenge" you the most? You know, the behaviors that drive you a little crazy? Chances are they are behaviors that you struggle with as well. Why do I get so upset with a middle child that has issues with anger? Do I struggle with anger as well? Do I see my temperament in him? When my child gets frustrated, does he yell or stomp off?
Christ is my schoolmaster if I will let Him. If I choose to respond in Godly ways and let my actions flow from His example, my children will see that and learn. If I don't... well, you get the picture.
Who will I allow my master to be? Who do I wish to emulate in my life? Which brings me to my last subject...
Foundational Life Skills
I'm not talking about cooking and housekeeping (although those certainly come in handy as a wife and mom!). But talking about what will actually help you in your day to day life situations. Hint: your text will be the Bible!
Bible reading and study:
We cannot learn if we are not studying! The Bible is our text for learning. There are some great Christian life help books out there but even they won't help if you don't have your nose in your Bible. Ever skip a day from being in the Word? How'd your day go? Often, when things are falling apart, people are yelling and melting down (sometimes even the kids!), my husband and I look at each other and say, "Didn't do our bible reading this morning, did we?"
Oh, I know many who say there just isn't time in the morning. I agree. I am not an early morning person. If I'm up before 7am, the kitchen must be on fire. Here is what I came up with.... ready for it? Mandatory bible time together! I know, it's not revolutionary, but it works! Now, I am reading and studying, I am guaranteeing that my kids are reading and studying and they are seeing me reading and studying (remember the Discipleship course?).
Prayer:
Also, we need to be talking with our Mentor daily, checking in with Him and making sure we are on the right page. Prayer is when we get to talk to God, but have you ever stopped and listened during prayer? Next time you are in prayer, ask God to reveal something to you... then wait. No seriously, be still. Wait for the Holy Spirit to bring to mind what He wants you to know. It blows my mind!
There are many other Life Skills that you can learn and develop but without these two, it's like being on a creek in a canoe with no paddles. You're not going anywhere. Prayer and bible reading are your two sides of the canoe and if you only paddle on one side, you will end up going in circles. Only when you are constantly utilizing both sides effectively will you continue to travel on your journey.
The above list makes a full load at college seem like a breeze! (unless you're going to college and homeschooling - yikes!) The message here is that we are not perfect yet. We will continue to learn and grow and God will continue to teach and disciple as long as we have breath. I hope I never quit learning about who my Savior is and who I am in Him. With that goal in mind, I can effectively, graciously, and patiently disciple my own children in the life skills they need in their lives to glorify Him. Praise God!
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