We are born sinful humans, I know might receive some opposing opinions on this but without pleading my case I would like to share some of my observations.
First, and foremost it outlines for us in the Bible we do not become sinners but are sinners. Psalm 51:5 “For I was born a sinner–yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” And Romans 5:12, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned–” But: life, hope, grace, freedom from sin, and eternal life is found in JESUS CHRIST. “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29.
Secondly, (I shouldn’t have to preface but I will I LOVE MY KIDS) from my experience though, as a mom of 4, I can “scientifically” say four out of my four children (100%) have displayed on more then one occasion (ok lets be real! More then one time or MORE a DAY) sinful behavior that I HAVE NOT taught them! Where does this sinful behavior come from, it is in our nature and the reason for a savior. What I would like to point out however is I believe we are born with sin inside of us (a separation from God) BUT that sinful visional display to be is NOT represented when babies are crying. Let’s dive a little deeper: when a baby is crying it is not because they are trying to be selfish or manipulative, they are expressing a need (hunger, wet diaper, uncomfortable because of a burp, tired etc). Please don’t neglect to take care of your baby in reference to the misinterpretation of them trying to be sinful. When I have seen the sinful acts displayed within my children, I have seen it in sinful fruits (their actions due to a heart problem). Let me give you a few examples:
- Difficultly sharing (selfishness)
- Pushing brother out the the way to be closer to mom (inconsideration for others)
- Telling mom they put their laundry away and knowingly did not (lying)
- Hitting their sister (lack of self-control)
- Excluding their brother when friends are over (lack of kindness)
- Arguing over who gets to play with a toy first (lack of peace)
- and on and on the list goes! (SINFUL HEARTS)
I John 1:8: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”
But when we are reborn in Christ the sin nature we have is not removed or has disappeared. (That is not until we are in Glory.) BUT we are given a renewed mind and spirit. With the Holy Spirit as a guide and the refining process of becoming more like Him, and by learning more of His truth in his written word (The Bible) we move away from the sinful fruits and into the fruits of the spirit.
Fruits like: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, kindness and self-control!
I know there is going to a lot of correction happening with my children to teach and show these healthy fruits especially while they are young and skill discovering God’s design for their lives. My cry would be that I can learn how to correct them and guide them gently WHEN REQUIRED! (I say this because it the example above about babies crying due to them expressing a need.) I pray that I can use the guide of the Holy Spirit to identify when these events occur that need direction to be able to differentiate between truly sinful acts and mistakes/accidents/cries for help. I want to call a sin a sin, while still embracing the child and their need.
For example: my 3rd child who is age 1 and 1/2 was getting really REALLY worked up at the dinner table, he was crying, and pushing his plate away from him, and really throwing a fit, he was NOT showing self-control. I really was becoming frustrated, I tried expressing in calm words, “please use your words,” “point at what you need,” “do you need to get down from the table and take a break?” These calm questions were not getting me anywhere. As frustration was building inside, I reminded myself to remain calm, but I kept thing I worked so hard on this dinner, my husband is late and all I want is a moment to eat my food! So with a little stronger conviction I said, “you will need to use a gentle voice at the table,” “mommy is trying to figure out what you need,” “how can I help you.” Nothing, more crying. Finally I took a big breath in and set the baby down who I was feeding and walked over to him and I wrapped my arms around him and get melted into me. I tried to set him down to tell him I love him but his action are not ok. But as I kneed down and tried to stand he wouldn’t, I tried again, he would just crumple into me. After holding him for a few minutes I discovered he was sitting on his knees and in the position he was in his feet hand fallen asleep. MY poor baby was confused, scared, and unaware of what to do.
Yes he did not have self-control but rightfully so, in this situation was a when required moment. I was thankfully about to identify the need before I started shelling out corrects.
Therefore my prayer as a parent would be that HE would help me correct my child gently when required.
Proverbs 27:5 says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” From my experience in the teaching profession I have been able to see where boundaries, guidelines, and rules can really make students/children feel safe and secure. To know what is expected. May I help provide that for my children especially while they are trying to navigate this sinful nature.
Lord God, I pray you will guide and direct my path when in comes to correcting those you have put me in charge of. Speak loudly in my life when these corrects need to be corrected. And please help me always use the fruit of the spirit of gentleness when I am correcting. Thank you for being the example of gentleness and security.
Join me as I find myself calling out for guidance when it comes to correcting and provided meaningful corrections in my children’s lives.
More verses about being born sinful: Here.
And more perspective on the difference between crying baby and sin.
