Comments on: How Children Bless – Part 5

By: Tim Adeney

Tim Adeney — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:42:24 +0000

Oh, and Rowan, I’m delighted to hear that you have in the past and still do enjoy the blessing of other people’s kids.

By: Tim Adeney

Tim Adeney — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:40:57 +0000

Thanks for the comments guys. You’re right Ben, it is a powerful litmus test, and one that as Trevor says, works itself out in lots of areas. Perhaps I’ll try a few posts suggesting some practical ways this kind of thinking might play out in different contexts.

Tim

By: rowan paterson

rowan paterson — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:27:56 +0000

absolutely.

from one who hasn’t yet had the blessing of children.

my wife and i had the opportunity to be hosted by a couple at the crowded house last year in the UK by a family of 5 and learnt stacks… but grew an amazing affection for them.

also more locally (sydney) i feel like i can enjoy relationship with others’ kids in a really positive way, and even contribute to their lives by the gracious willingness of their parents, and pray for them!

By: Trevor Cairney

Trevor Cairney — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:56:55 +0000

Hi Tim. Yep this is a good question. And it needs to be directed in lots of different directions. How we deal with other people’s children individually is also related to how a church responds to children. Are children made to feel welcome? Are they included, not just tacked on? Do people show their love and concern for other people’s children by serving them in various ways? Do we grieve for them when they are wandering away from God? Do we have a burden to see them come to faith in Christ and grow in maturity. Of course, there are variations of the question that go beyond church to community - how much are we concerned for the children in our street, at my kids school etc? Enjoying the blog Tim.

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:11:10 +0000

Great question, Tim. That’s the litmus test, isn’t it? Other people’s children.

I’ll have a think about it.