But I’ve Been Bad
December 14, 2012 § 7 Comments
My 4 year old boy gave me joy by announcing his failure. This perhaps is an unusual response for a father, but I think it was an appropriate response for a father concerned with carrying out the Great Commission at home.
While on our way to visit Santa at the local Bass Pro Shops, my wife asked Levi if he was thinking about asking Santa for something for Christmas. His reply was, “But I’ve been bad.” This may sound strange, but the idea that my child thinks, rather knows, he is bad, excites me.
Don’t get me wrong, we praise Levi for the good he does, and often consider him a “good boy.” But the truth is that he, like me and every other human being, is on the naughty list. We are the modern manifestation of Adam. We’re bad, and realizing this early on is very good.
My hope is that Levi discovers the love and forgiveness of Christ, but like any solution, the problem—sin, in this case—needs to be known first. The truth of Romans 3:23, that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, is the logical first step toward salvation. In fact, “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8,9).
The bad news makes way for Good News: “My little children… if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1) Jesus saves once we understand what we need saving from. I am rejoicing in Levi’s first steps in the truth, thanks in part, I guess, to Santa Claus.
God&Neighbor 
So……what was your reply?
What was my reply to Levi’s admission that he was bad? I don’t think we actually replied to it, just noted it. We were in the car trying to find the right exit, and topics change pretty quickly with 4 year olds. From past talks he does have a pretty good understanding of what sin is who God is, that Jesus is His Son, etc. The discussion continues. 🙂
didn’t jesus tell someone that if they (as an individual) believed,….then,….his whole family would be saved????? if yes,….what are “your thoughts” as to why jesus told him this?
johndoe, thanks for the question. I don’t think Jesus ever said that salvation of an individual can apply to a household, but correct me if I’m wrong on that. I know on numerous occasions He promises salvation on an individual basis (i.e. John 6:44-45), and in one case even says the Gospel has the power to divide households (Matthew 10:34-36).
Are you referring to Peter’s interaction with Cornelius in Acts 10-11?
“[Peter] will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.” (Acts 11:14)
HOWDY,….i think jesus told a centurion that if “he” believed,….that he “and his family” would also be saved??????,…..give it a google and share what you find, ok???
Ah, I think you mean Luke 7:1-10, where the Centurion comes to Jesus and asks Him to heal his servant. The centurion believed He could, and Jesus rewards his faith. The centurion returns home to find his servant well again. Check it out here 🙂 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7%3A1-10&version=ESV
yo dude!!!!!!,……actually,….i just sat down to google my biblegateway search!!!!!!,……..oh, this new world we live in, huh???,………..i’ll drop back in later with what i find,…or,…what i don’t find, k??? thanks