Children don’t grow up overnight. It may seem that way but it is because you haven’t been watching. Rarely does one experience ruin or make a child. Exceptions would be a trauma like abuse or molestation. Because they are so serious I can’t think of any punishment severe enough for child molesters. A parent having a bad day does not ruin a child. Missing their senior prom does not ruin a child. Over time these things might add up but it is not the single events that cause the damage. It is the adults who have repeatedly failed that usually do the damage.
In spiritual issues it is not one boring sermon that drives away a seeking soul. On the other side it is not one evangelistic appeal that draws them to faith. I say usually because I am sure there are exceptions but most people make major decisions based on lengthy input and consideration. They may not be aware of all the input but it is there. It is like the sense of smell. You don’t smell everything that gives an aroma. That does not mean it is not there on some level. The same with the input of the Holy Spirit.
Politics, the economy, your health; all change and develop gradually.
To make every struggle a crisis that demands professional intervention is a ploy for control. To blame people like teachers who have a student for a few months with damaging their self esteem is nothing more than manipulation. When a child comes to me in eighth grade and cannot read it is a joke to blame me or expect some miraculous intervention on my part but it happens on a regular basis. I am sure the same thing happens in the medical profession and economic circles.
I read somewhere a statement that goes something like this.
“If I can change your mind in one post the chances are someone else can change it back just as easy.”I don’t believe I will change you. I do hope I can make you think. Gradually and thoughtfully. That is, by the way, the only way you will change me.
homo unius libri
This isn't tied to the spiritual partb of your message, but I've always said that consevatives don't espouse their views to change liberals, they put them out there hoping to sway the mindless masses in the middle just long enough to get their vote. Of course the same can be said for the liberals. What a pity our future is decided by those least committed to ANY one belief!
ReplyDeleteAdd to that the way in which informed people are dismissed from juries and the emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism. The mindless masses make their decisions based on the latest TV commercial.
DeleteIt is scary.
Grace and peace.