Whiteboard Discussions

WHITEBOARD DISCUSSIONS
 

As the children get older, it is a blessing to begin talking things through logically; drawing out and applying the things we have been learning day by day and year by year. Recently we have been having some fun and profitable "Whiteboard Discussions" in our home.

When we have an idea we'd like the girls to think through, we'll write it on our white board and ask them for their thoughts. It's a simple concept, but it leads to some exciting and dynamic discussions.

Last week we asked how they would answer the following question: "Do we need to watch worldly movies or read worldly books to lead people to Christ?"

It's an idea we've have heard often in our Christian experience, and although we have never known anyone to come to faith because Christian people were "in the know" regarding the newest movies, sports or books, we should ultimately appeal to Scripture over experience.

But even when referencing Scripture, we don't find that that being like the world will cause people to see their need for Christ. We are to be light in darkness. We are to be holy and set apart- a peculiar people.

We don't find Christ's discussions with those around Him about the latest play or book. It was always about the heart and true worship.

DO WE NEED TO WATCH WORLDLY MOVIES OR READ WORLDLY BOOKS TO LEAD PEOPLE TO CHRIST?

Faith was the first to pipe up:

"Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind."
~Romans 12:2

Great!

Lydia jumped in with:

"No- we have to be like Jesus!"

Good job! And, remember since Jesus always answered, "It is Written" let's also try to think of verses to help us answer this idea!

As with previous "Whiteboard Discussions," we pull out the concordance and sometimes our Doorpost topical reference, then look up and read each verse to be sure we are getting them down correctly.


This is what we came up with:

"Have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but instead even expose them."
~Ephesians 5:11

"I want you to be wise in doing good
and simple concerning evil."
~Romans 16:19

 

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make NO PROVISION for the flesh
to fulfill it's lusts."
~Romans 13:14

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked.
Whatever a man sows that he will also reap."
~Galatians 6:7

 

and finally...

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
~Ephesians 6:11-13

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but there is a battle.

I've got to say that I am really enjoying this stage with older children and the chance to reason together. It's delightful.

Do you feel like you are swimming against the tide? I was so encouraged this week by a quote my good friend Lisa shared in this post. An excerpt:

"It may be the easiest thing to have no battles in life, to grow in some sheltered plain where the storms never blow, to meet no hardships, to have no burdens to carry; but what sort of life comes in the end from such a career?

If we would reach the heights of blessedness we must be content to pass through the fields of struggle. When armies return from victorious war, the loudest cheers are not for those who have fought the fewest battles, nor for the flags which are the cleanest, but for the regiments which are cut down to a few men, and for the colours that are shot to pieces. So it will be in heaven when the redeemed are welcomed home: those who have fought the most battles, and bear the most "marks of the Lord Jesus," will receive the highest honors. It is better, then, even for Christians themselves to stay in this world, and to grow to strength through duty and conflict."

~ J.R. Miller

Richest Blessings,

____________________

Photos: A weekend away as a family. Yosemite and Bass Lake were the planned sights, but our best times were spent as a family playing at the resort and talking to an older man named Jim and his dog Freckles. Go figure.