“Deeper Discussions with children”
My children’s BSF lesson this week was out of the book of Hosea. Let’s just say that’s an interesting lesson to explain to young kids…” Mom, what’s promiscuous mean??” As I fumbled to find an appropriate explanation for the story of Hosea and Gomer, we landed on “Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes,” Hosea 3:1(NIV).
At first glance the text can be confusing. We’ve got Hosea chasing a wild woman, random raisin cake references and more, but with intentional questions and deeper thoughts, a great discussion emerged with my daughters.
As we focused on the ‘turning to other gods’ section and referenced forming ‘idols’ in our lives, I asked the girls for examples. One daughter stood like a statue chanting a strange language, while the other daughter wisely remarked, “entitlement.” Praise Jesus, at least one of them is picking up what I’m putting down!
We spent time sorting through ‘gods’ that are easily formed in our lives that draw us away from the relationship with our true God. It’s interesting how easily our children identify concepts we as adults often overlook. My daughter’s word, ‘entitlement’ prompted me to think that concept could be the basis for why we mindlessly allow idols to form in our lives…
The definition of entitlement is a belief that one is deserving or entitled to certain privileges. This is where we find the Israelites at the time of the prophet Hosea speaking to them, entitled and expectant of blessings. The phrase “a spirit of prostitution” is used to describe their lack of commitment and acknowledgement for God. They were fleeting with their love for Him, seeking pleasure and fulfillment in a variety of ways. Much like the Israelites, we search for happiness or fulfillment in goals, relationships, achievements, and pleasure. As I attempted to break the discussion down to their level, I reminded them of that big word, ‘entitlement.’ If we fail to recognize our hearts inclination towards that concept, then we will live a life filled with an expectant attitude of blessings. This can be grounds for disaster and leave us chasing emptiness in life.
The amazing part of sorting through scripture with your children is the never ending, always present, reassuring message of love that accompanies the lesson. Notice Hosea 3:1 starts with “Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though…….they turn….” Love always precedes or follows behind our God’s message.
I love that I was able to remind my daughters of God’s pursuing love for each of us throughout each story in the Bible. He desires to pursue us despite our mistakes.
So many scriptures in the Bible offer opportunity for great discussions with our children and others. Don’t be afraid to dive in and find opportunities to talk more about His Word; you might be surprised by where it lands.
