The Mirror of Grace

Are we thankful for our children's sin? Interesting question, isn't it?

I am not suggesting that we rejoice when our kids sin. On the contrary, it should move us to grieve and to prayer. But what I am asking is if we see God's gracious hand and faithfulness in the midst of their sin. Do we see His sanctifying work in it all? For both the good of our children...and for us?

There is nothing more humbling for me than to see my own sin in the mirror of my kids' sin. The areas where they are tempted and struggle (usually the things that irritate me) are often times the very areas that I deal with in my own heart. {sigh} Perhaps I may not outwardly act upon the sin in the same way my young ones do, but internally, I may. Perhaps the words don't fly out of my mouth with quite the same rawness as theirs do, but...it's in me too...and it usually comes out with a bit more polish and finesse so as to not look so nasty.

But, do I see the grace in their sin? When the ugliness of the sin in their hearts is exposed, do I get impatient and angry? Inconvenienced and condemning? Or do I see opportunity? Grace? Time for growth? For them, but also for me?

Each time my children sin, I need to remind myself that this is a moment for growth and teaching. A time to practice what has been taught, or teach something new, or to build upon a previous lesson. These few years that we have our children in our home are the years to train and prepare them to be able to deal with these sin issues with wisdom and godliness as an adult - without us. I must remind myself of this blessed gift... this season of training and preparing.

I also must recognize that God works through my children's sins to rebuke, convict, and refine me (His child) as well. When my children disobey...again, and my impatience rears its ugly head...again, I must recognize this for what it is - grace. It is God's grace in allowing me another opportunity to grow and mature in Christ. To become more like Christ. To allow the fire of His Word and Spirit to burn off just a little more of the dross in His child's heart. And to remember that one day, I will stand before Him holy and blameless without any spot or blemish {Eph. 5:27}...because He loves me that much.

So, as much as it hurts my heart (and often times gives opportunity for my own sin) when my child sins, I will choose to be thankful for another opportunity to point her back to Christ and pray that she places her value and identity in Him alone. But I will also choose to give thanks to the Author and Perfecter of my faith who will stop at nothing to make me holy and blameless for Him...even if it means that I must see myself in the mirror of my children's sin. 

What a wonderful Redeemer we have in Christ!