I just finished teaching a piano lesson to a young girl who is the fourth child in her family to take lessons. When I first taught her brothers, it was soon obvious that written music was not a part of their lives. They were great students, but so many things that I take for granted that people would know about music was not a part of their understanding. What a thrill to teach them all!
However, as I watch this youngest sibling, I am amazed at her progress and her talent. In fact, each sibling has gone further and learned faster than the last! Is there a reason for this? I believe it is called ‘exposure.’ Because she has been exposed to three other siblings who have diligently practiced the piano within her earshot, she breezes through the books at an amazing pace. Is she more talented than the others? I don’t think so. They have all been excellent students. The difference is what she has been exposed to!
And what a wonderful application we can make as Christians! Does it make a difference in our children’s lives what they are exposed to? Will they be affected by what comes across the television screen…or the stereo… or the computer? Will they learn anything by our actions…our words…our attitudes?
We have so much influence on our children! If we allow bad habits, endure them, knowing that they are wrong but never taking the time to allow the Lord to help us win the victory over them, so often our children come at us with the same glaring habits blown to epic proportion!
Oh, where would we be without our Balm of Gilead? The sweet perfume of His presence influences every time we draw nigh to Him! We would be lost, literally and figuratively, without the goodness of God. What a privilege to be able to ‘expose’ ourselves to the goodness of God as often as we choose.
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness…
Romans 11:22
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Beyond Common Sense 