God said "No!" ...so, are we trying to follow God's example?? Are we to respond by instructing in a way we were taught was important ...and still is??
It depends how we say it, and why, of course.
I know a man who lost his wife ...and being somewhat alone, yet he still had family. He didn't want to distance them in any way ...so, he just watched everyone have fun and be happy.
He let his grandkid play freely ...and though I don't know all that was utilized to create those marks all over the walls, if only the walls could talk!!
He painted the walls, without saying anything about the behavior that led to the necessity of the new layer of paint.
And the marks returned.
And another layer of paint was applied.
And the marks returned.
I feel that "No!" means "No!" But, what about those who don't say anything??
I agree that there are multitudes of times when it's better to say nothing, but in the long term it may not be so good also doing nothing.
Of course, that doesn't rule out the fact that we can change our mind ...and with that, I believe we should explain why.
It may suffice to say, "Because I said so!" It may be okay to say it a time or two, but not when communicating opposite messages.
I know how a very loving Grandpa must feel towards his grandkids. I am a Dad, and when I watch our own kids running and jumping as they play so energetically and free-spirited. They look like happy lambs ...or baby deer. And though they are no longer babies, they are dear to me.
And neither do I want to restrain that joy ...yet, I would not be able to just stand by, and ignore ...if their free play extended out into someone else's property, in a carefree and possibly destructive sense.
And having fun with someone else's property without permission should not be allowed either.
Nor should feeling free to have fun include doing anything you want ...especially if it includes poking fun at someone, having fun at their expense.
Yes, these are just my opinions ...so what about how God feels about it?? We are not given an exact outline on how to raise our kids ...just certain principles.
I think about how God created the angels ...and what restraints were placed upon them. With their extraordinary abilities, and the vastness of our universe ...were there any limitations??
I imagine the angels being so free. I've looked at birds soaring in the sky ...and often wondered what it would be like to be free as a bird. Wouldn't I imagine the angels be more spectacular ...and more free??
Yet, there seems to be a concept that holds for most situations. By elevating ourselves, aren't we creating a relationship between our position and that of another?
We don't all seem to have equal opportunities ...yet, we must hold to the condition that we are all created equal. What does that then mean?
We should not think ourselves better than another. We should not feel obliged to give all that we have ...so they can squander it, and perhaps exhaust our resources that we could use towards future giving. We should value them as human beings, who can be told of their great value to God, and how they can have a share in His kingdom.
We should not put ourselves and our feelings ahead of someone else. So, I don't think we should teach our children to think first of themselves, and their feelings. Though, they should not think of themselves less or last either.
Giving is good, but it is more than material things. I want to give my children the understanding of respect for others, and when they put themselves in mind it should be with regard and consideration of how it affects others.
One third of the angels did not grasp this idea ...and with that in mind, I'm glad I was not one among the angels. I am not always humble, but I am constantly reminded that I should be. And when God sets limits, and says "No!" ...I think it wise not to challenge that, and without doubt unwise to attempt to change that.
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