As a preschool teacher, there are many times that I have to ignore certain behaviors in order to stay engaged with the rest of the class. The tricky part is learning what behaviors will self-correct when they are ignored and when we need to step in with the appropriate correction.
As Christ-followers we are all a little bit like that 4-year-old who is running laps around the classroom instead of sitting on the carpet for circle time. Am I right? We are stiff-necked & stubborn people who prefer to do things our own way instead of following the classroom rules (translated – boundaries) that The Teacher has set for each of us.
SIGH!
But there is hope!
Romans 6:23 (NIV) tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And just like a repentant preschooler who asks for a hug, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John1:9 NIV
I am not telling you that God ignores our sin. Rather, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
So, dear reader, are you running around the room or sitting at the feet of your Teacher listening for his still small voice to guide the rest of your day.
#FMF #BGBG2 #BibleGatewayPartner
NOTE: This post will also be published in the February 18, 2023 edition of the Sunshine Newsletter
My Life in Our Father's World 
I thought I’d ignore cancer,
not let it have its say.
Well, it gave me an answer,
and it didn’t go away.
Sometimes I think it’s funny,
and ponder this at night:
for treatment there’s no money,
but I’m way more than all right,
for all the chaff has now been burned
from a vain frivolous soul,
and by the fire I have earned
the right to call me Whole,
and when in Heaven I arrive,
I’ll give God a big high-five.
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Your post paints such a picture in my mind of that child running in circles. Our youngest grandson is often that one, and I am thankful for patient Sunday School teachers who have found the balance of correction vs classroom chaos. This year he slowed down long enough to go to the altar and pray to accept Christ as Savior! You are a special person, Barbara! Thank you for sharing.
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So true, we do have to pick our battles! It’s reassuring that God knows when to challenge us and when it will correct itself over time.
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I think I do both, Barb, sit at His feet and run around the room, then repent and ask for a hug. Your question about classroom behavior reminds me of Michael Maloney’s book, Teach Your Children Well. He addresses this issue head on!
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Amen, Barb. I can certainly relate to this post! Not putting “sails to little peoples’ wind” is sometimes a hit or miss affair. God is equally wise and patient with our misdeeds. Great post!
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I knew it would connect with you!😀
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mmm … stiff necked and stubborn. yes. and wonder of wonders, He doesn’t give up on us, keeps pulling us to Himself with His lovingkindness and faithfulness. I’m so grateful!
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Me too, Linda, me too!
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It’s not an accident that the Bible talks about the “children of Israel.” Your analogy is spot on. The ancient Hebrews acted like petulant children so often, and we do the same today. Thanks to God for loving us and forgiving us when we turn to Him.
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Y E S !!!
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I have tax clients who live by this rule, and wait until the last possible moment to bring me their information. One lady told me in the past, she was astounded when she began to gather her information that it was not nearly as bad as she was dreading. But that, sadly, did not carry over. Because the next year it was even worse. She waited until October 14th, the day before the last possible day to file your taxes, to get me her paperwork. Oh well.
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Procrastination…ugh!
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Kinda fits with my post today on laziness!
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Loved that post!!
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Thanks! I love when God sends out similar messages!
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Me too!!
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FROM Joanne Viola —
“Barb, I am having trouble leaving comments on a few posts. It is me and not your site, trust me I know 🙂 But I wanted you to know I enjoyed your “Ignore” post and could not ignore leaving a comment!
Barb, this post made me smile as I love toddlers. You are so right that at times, it is wiser to ignore some behaviors. May the Lord give us wisdom to stop running in circles and to come sit at His feet and hear what He has to say.
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Thank you for taking the time to send me an email when the tech failed. I appreciate you!
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I am learning to listen to His still, small voice and then to obey. Learning… practising…
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YAY!!
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