13 Feb Parenting Truthfulness

Training truthfulness in our small children was extremely important to us, as we needed to trust their words as they got older and more independent.

So, when our 5-year-old child started lying, it was a big deal. No matter how much I stressed that he shouldn’t do it, he kept at it because it was working for him. You see, he was so clever that I couldn’t catch him out in a definite lie. Beaten but not defeated, I prayed and asked God to help me out.

Then an incident happened. All the children were bathing together (4 of them), and someone kept emptying the bubbles and water out onto the floor. I happened to walk past and see my son do it, but he didn’t know I saw him. This was my moment. I was born for this.

I came in and asked them all, ‘who spilled the bath water’?

Of course all denied doing it, even the one that did. But I already knew and reprimanded him accordingly. I also went on a rant about what happens to liars when they are fully grown. This really scared him. I never remember him lying to me again, and in fact his 5th grade teacher told me that he trusts what he says as he doesn’t lie.

If you are a truthful person, you’ll knowingly or unknowingly seek out truth. If you’ve never done it, can I challenge you to seek out the one person who has walked on this earth and claimed to be truth itself?

Take the time to check out what Jesus said in the Bible, and the reaction of others to his words. People who were confronted with the truth reacted in different ways:

There were usually 3 responses. 1. Some hated him and try to undermine or kill him. 2. Some were humble enough to accept the truth straight away, even though it challenged them. 3.  Still others went on a mission to investigate and find out if his claims were legit.

My heart for you is to seek out the truth, resist trying to make it bend to your will, but allow it to change you. It might be painful at first, but you’ll be so glad you did!

Question for your team: What values are important to you? Why did you choose this value? Blessings, Vetti x

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6