What Kids Teach Adults
David Thomas of Raising Boys & Girls
Kids are some of the best teachers out there. Sometimes, it is our job to simply sit and listen. We have so much to offer each other through the Spirit.
Kids are struggling with depression, anxiety, illness, divorce, relocation, loss, and so much more. In counseling, they found a safe place, accountability, and steady relationships. Those are things that every one of us is craving: love, support, and belonging. We can offer those to each other as the body of Christ. We do that best when we lean into how kids do that naturally.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4
- Be responsive.
When Jesus called the child, they came. Around age 11-12, we become self-conscious and begin to overthink and hesitate. Awareness can rob us of responsiveness, and fear can roadblock us. We become reactive rather than responsive. When we parent, or operate in any way, out of love rather than fear, we can respond intentionally and freely. - Be open.
Kids are natural students. Every year they jump into another academic season of learning new information. After we finish school, we forget to be students, but there are always ways we need to grow. Who are the people in your life giving you feedback and resources to grow? What areas do you need to change and grow? - Be humble
Humility means understanding your value as it relates to other people’s value (Proverbs 10:19; James 1:19-20). It is a place of strength that allows you to build others up (Philippians 2:8-9). Humility postures us to see our need for Jesus (Matthew 11:28).
