[Hilary316]

Originally Posted by firefighterwife

Well, a few thoughts about your OP:

1) I don't think it is Scriptural that a CHILD sins.
2) I don't think that childish misbehavior offends G-d.
3) It is my job to model a relationship with G-d, to teach them who G-d is and that He wants a relationship with Him and to show them how wonderful it is to be in a relationship with G-d by them seeing MY relationship with Him.
4) It is G-d's job to show them their need for Him and to draw them to Him. Any assumption/effort on my part to do that for Him is, IMO, trying to take the place of G-d...not something I want to do.

ETA: Yes, we can state G-d's standards for abundant living as we teach our kids...but not in a "your behavior offends G-d, see how sinful and in need of G_d you are"...but rather a "This is how best to live according to the loving instructions G_d gave us. Here, let me help you do that until you are old enough to do it for yourself."

The motivation and the mindset difference is HUUUUUGE (and, IMO, super important).

While I dont believe that a child actively SINS, as in has evil intentions when he/she, say, hits her mom (like my 2 yo did today lol), I do believe the reason they do it is their sin nature. Even though they have no idea what they are doing, is it not our job to point out that their hitting breaks the commandment of honoring your father and mother even BEFORE they understand so that when they are old enough to comprehend it, it will be so ingrained that it will be.. I dont know.. common knowledge, on their part? (Sorry if that makes no sense! lol)

I understand what you are saying with #4, but I guess I am just confused. Is it not our job as parents to teach them the way they should go, and to point to God in every little thing, as it says in Deut 6?

And so.. We should lead a child to the Lord differently than how we would lead an adult? (FWIW, I very much believe that repentence of sin is a deep part of realizing your need for Christ and becoming saved in the first place, for adults anyways)

---------- Post added at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:02 AM ----------

Originally Posted by katiekind

I think there are good points in the book, Hilary. Pray and use your own best judgment.

Haha, I am new at this parenting thing and easily swayed, which is why I am asking here! LOL