Counter Cultural

Kristen at We are That Family posted an interesting question earlier today.  She asked, "Can we Raise Children that are Counter Cultural?"  You can see her entire post and comments: here.  I say it is interesting because in a way it's something I have already been wrestling with through my reading of I and II Kings.  As I have been reading, I see the words, "he did evil in the sight of the Lord," or Isee glimmers of hope through the few kings over Judah who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord."

Then you read, his son did not walk in the ways of the Lord and did more evil than all the kings before him. I know the point is not a parenting lesson, but I want to yell, "What went wrong? How could he be so good and raise a son that was so evil????  Don't leave me hanging here."  (Glimmer above glimmer of hope were some of the kings that were good came through the influence of a godly mother/grandmother.)  Again, I know it is not the point, but really? Especially when you consider the lineage that Eli, Samuel and even David left....oh it makes the beauty of the cross that more beautiful.  I just don't want to be a godly mom who leaves her kids high and dry doing evil.  Which takes me back to me...am I living a godly life?

That's the question that has been rolling around in my head.  Am I walking with the Lord, not turning to the right or the left from His word?  Don't answer, because truth be told, I am not ready to face the answer.  The answer would mean that I would look a lot more counter cultural and a lot more Christ like than I do now.  I would worry less and give more, less anger and more forgiveness, less blaming and more repentance, less harshness and more kisses (to my kids).

I also know, because enough parenting experts have told me, that I need to be a model to my kids. That they will learn volumes from what I do, rather than long speeches that they can tune out.  I admit I am still surprised when I see my son yell some parenting remark at my daughter that sounds just like me. Didn't hear me say, "speak kind words to your sister." Hmmph.

Then I would have to examine my spending habits, my viewing habits, my word choices and the list goes on.  How much do I look like the culture and what am I really teaching my children through my life?  Am I really willing to live a counter cultural life, one that walks with the Lord without turning to the right or the left?

I just finished up reading some of I Chronicles and the land given was described as "spacious, peaceful and quiet." Three words that to me are so counter cultural of today's society.  It sounds blissful.  It sounds wonderful. It sounds like a place I want to be....at peace with the Lord, quiet to hear his voice...what a contrast to a culture that is hectic, hurried, and loud.

In answer to her question, yes, we can raise counter cultural children if we ourselves are willing to live a counter cultural life.