Luke Scallon
Pastor, Faith Baptist Church of Danville

Published in The Des Moines County News on July 21, 2016

Do you ever wonder what your children are thinking?  They have such amazing minds, and they are always thinking, always processing the world around them.  I love a good laugh when my children say something off-the-wall, but I am always amazed at how much thinking went into such conclusions.  In fact, it is fun to ask questions and learn more about their understanding and view of the world.

What do you think God is like?

Have you ever asked your child that question?  It’s a really neat question to ask, whether or not you’re a family that goes to church.  We work hard to teach our children about God and the Bible, but I think it’s still important to take a step back and find out what they think.  After all, each child thinks for himself; we don’t dictate their beliefs.  Knowing what they think and believe tells us more about our children, and it gives them an outlet to express themselves.  In fact, the more we do so, the less we get recited answers and the more we get their own heart and mind.

What do you like about God?  Do you dislike anything about God?

These are great follow-up questions!  Let me be clear: while I would not want to encourage children to dislike God or try to change God, I think it’s important to create an atmosphere where people can express those feelings if they are having them!  And of course, we should not shame them for their feelings or misunderstandings of who God is.  The Bible is clear in telling us much about who God is – but at certain times, I only want to learn my children – not to correct them.  There are also many things the Bible doesn’t say about God that we come to our own understanding of him.

Several people in the Bible wrestled with thoughts and feelings in response to God.  The psalms especially are a great place to read when you are struggling with feelings.  In Psalm 44:23, the songwriter says, “Awake!  Why do you sleep, O Lord?  Arise!  Do not cast us off forever.”  In Psalm 43:2, “For You are the God of my strength; why do you cast me off?”  Job said in Job 10:1, “I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”  But all of these people come around in their thoughts and resolve to trust God.

What about you?  Have you thought lately about what God is like?  It is good for you, also, to ponder these things.  They are answers worth seeking out!  There is still so much we do not know, and it is worth asking the questions!  Perhaps you can even invite your child to discover the answers with you, as you wonder and discuss together.  Go to God with your questions and feelings.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).