Week 4
Chapter 4
My Thoughts
The thought that holiness means “separation” is new to me. I’ve never considered God’s holiness as the distance that separates me from Him. I’ve always thought my sin is what separates me from his presence, which is true, but taking that view makes me focus on myself. As I learn more about God’s character, I start to shift my focus from my sin to his holiness. It seems easier to understand why God’s repulsion to sin and his requirement for perfection separates my sinful nature from his perfect goodness.
The more I know God and his character, the more I want the things of God — less of me and more of him. He changes my heart, then my thoughts, then my behaviors, attitudes, and actions. This is why faith in God, without Godly works, is dead (James 2:17). But none of my good works are enough to lessen my separation from God’s holiness and perfection.
This is why so many family discussions need to focus on the work done on the cross. The gospel is good news because it is not about how our kids behave, how we love people, or even how we parent our kids. The gospel is about the work that Christ has already done for us, the sins he has already taken to the grave and conquered, and the work that he is continually doing in our hearts as we draw closer to Him. The more that my conversations with my kids focus on the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, the less it becomes about their behavior. It is not only good for my kids to constantly hear this message, but it reassures my soul that I already belong to a gracious God and that nothing can take me away from his loving arms.
My Favorite Quote
The real question is, “How could God be good – infinitely good in the way the Bible describes him – and not feel intense anger at sin and evil?” (page 79)
Homework
Sit with your children and make a list of all the regular activities you do. Put them in two categories: things you do as a family and things you do apart from one another. Go through the list and circle the things that you think draw you closer to God. Put a star next to the things that you decide are most important to your family. Talk about the things that didn’t get circled and talk about any changes that need to be made to the time you devote to each activity.
Reflection Questions
“People change their behavior as their understanding of God and man changes” (page 69). Besides your parenting behaviors, what other behaviors have changed as your walk with God has matured and deepened?
Think about the things that you teach your kids through your words and actions. How are you shaping what your kids think about God? Does this line up with what the gospel teaches, or does it go astray? How can you model God’s love for you as you show love to your children?
“Infinite goodness must aggressively hate everything that destroys happiness” (page 79). Examine your family and your life, and write a list of things that you pursue. Which things help you draw closer to God? Which things don’t push you toward God? How do you think God views the activities and desires you chase?
“God cannot compromise with sin” (page 80). What sins do you compromise with? Why do you view these sins as anything other than a rejection of God? How can you adopt a more Godly view of these sins and stop compromising?
