Have you ever stopped to think about the ways God parents?
Can you look for examples in your own life or the lives of those
around you? Does He force His children? Does He threaten?
Does He care about what we do? Does He give us everything we
want or think we need? Does He hurt us? What motivates Him in His
interactions with His children?
Can you look for examples in your own life or the lives of those
around you? Does He force His children? Does He threaten?
Does He care about what we do? Does He give us everything we
want or think we need? Does He hurt us? What motivates Him in His
interactions with His children?
Think about these questions and others that may come to your mind as
you read and expand this discussion into your own personal search. There
is power in understanding God’s nature, not only in general, but also specifically
in the ways He parents. I believe spending time to discover these answers gives
us insight into 1. what in the world He may be trying to accomplish in His interactions
with us personally and 2. what we can observe in His parenting that is worthy of our
duplication as parents ourselves.
you read and expand this discussion into your own personal search. There
is power in understanding God’s nature, not only in general, but also specifically
in the ways He parents. I believe spending time to discover these answers gives
us insight into 1. what in the world He may be trying to accomplish in His interactions
with us personally and 2. what we can observe in His parenting that is worthy of our
duplication as parents ourselves.
This isn’t intended to be an all-inclusive list, but here are a few things I have found in
my study and observation about God’s parenting. First, what is discipline? Although
we may quickly flash back to our own childhoods where discipline meant spankings
or a certain number of lashings with a switch, does discipline mean punishment? I
would submit to your consideration that discipline actually means to teach (see Siegel & Bryson, No Drama Discipline, 227).
my study and observation about God’s parenting. First, what is discipline? Although
we may quickly flash back to our own childhoods where discipline meant spankings
or a certain number of lashings with a switch, does discipline mean punishment? I
would submit to your consideration that discipline actually means to teach (see Siegel & Bryson, No Drama Discipline, 227).
I don’t want to open the debate of physical discipline vs. non physical discipline,
but consider on how that fits in with the idea that discipline is actually teaching.
We seek to teach our children as we observe their “Actions/Behaviors,” “Emotions,”
and “Thought(s)” that indicate the “Belief” that needs correction (or further teaching
and practice).
but consider on how that fits in with the idea that discipline is actually teaching.
We seek to teach our children as we observe their “Actions/Behaviors,” “Emotions,”
and “Thought(s)” that indicate the “Belief” that needs correction (or further teaching
and practice).
I find it interesting that God invites us to be His disciples (can you see the
same root word in both discipline and disciple?). The Bible Dictionary tells us
that a disciple is simply “a pupil or learner” (Source, under “Disciple”). (Check
out Elder Hales talk to expand this concept Source). I believe taking a teaching
approach is how God disciplines us as His children.
same root word in both discipline and disciple?). The Bible Dictionary tells us
that a disciple is simply “a pupil or learner” (Source, under “Disciple”). (Check
out Elder Hales talk to expand this concept Source). I believe taking a teaching
approach is how God disciplines us as His children.
Here are a few other things I observed once I started watching for God’s parenting style:
- God honors agency. He allows us to learn through our own experience; that
means He allows for us to choose for ourselves, knowing we will sometimes make
mistakes. He doesn’t steal away the opportunity to have our own experience; He
never does it for us. - He wants to change more than just our behaviors. He wants to change our desires,
hearts, and our very natures (see President Uchtdorf’s talk, Source). - He teaches line upon line and precept upon precept (see Doctrine and Covenants
98:12). To me, that means He observes how far I can currently reach and continues
to offer growth that is achievable. - He motivates through persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love
unfeigned (See D&C 121:41). - He is purposeful. He parents the individual. He tailors to where we are in our
understanding. “...every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own
tongue, and in his own language” (D&C 90:11, emphasis added). Although this
is referring to the gospel being preached throughout the world, I believe God speaks
to us in ways that we can currently understand. - He want us to come to Him, especially in our times of distress (see Matthew 11:27-28
and Luke 11:5-13). - He gives us what we need even though sometimes that isn’t not necessarily
what we want. - He chastens us and refines us because He loves us (see Helaman 15:3).
- He knows His children individually (see Jeremiah 1:5).
- He will take us in any state (see Luke 15:21-22).
- Even in moments of anger, He still stands ready to receive us (see 2 Nephi 28:32).
- He listens (see D&C 98:2).
Again, this is a list to get you started. Start paying attention! Watch for things to
add to your own list by studying and through personal experience and prayer.
Take some time to know God better, not only in the ways He parents, but also in
His attributes. This is your invitation to understand who God is. Sometimes also
considering on who He isn’t is helpful too.
add to your own list by studying and through personal experience and prayer.
Take some time to know God better, not only in the ways He parents, but also in
His attributes. This is your invitation to understand who God is. Sometimes also
considering on who He isn’t is helpful too.
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