Of course, baby! I moved over on the couch and covered him with a blanket. What's on your mind?
"I feel like I am losing a part of myself every time that I lie." There were tears behind his words.
I knew where they were coming from. I had overheard his conversation with Daddy the night before. We have been concerned for some time with our boys penchant for lying and have been working with him, praying that God would help him not to lie, having him write sentences.
But he struggles. He has always wanted to please and it is overwhelming to him to even consider that we might be disappointed with him. And so my husband explained to him that every time he lies, it only makes him more susceptible to lying. And instead of becoming more like Jesus, he becomes less of who God desires him to be.
Tough things for a 6 year old to hear.
And so we sat on the couch and I prayed that God would give me the words to say. I started by confirming what my husband had said. The more that we lie, the easier it gets to lie. We begin to think that it really isn't that big of a deal. We're not really hurting anyone. But that in itself is a lie!
Remember the other day when we talked about what separates us from God?, I asked him.
"Yes!", he responded emphatically. "It is our sin that separates us from God. And no matter how much we try to jump over the gap that separates us, we still fall down."
You're right, baby. And did you know that lying is sin? That it only separates us from God?
"Yes, Mommy, I know that."
But who makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God?
"Jesus!"
That's right. I'm still praying in my heart! When we lie we are saying that we don't need Jesus.
The tears were there again as he said, "I know that I need Jesus, Mommy!"
Then trust Him, baby! In those times that you feel like lying, when you think that it might be easier, when you naturally lie instead of telling the truth, admit it! Right away! God has so much more for you. A relationship with Him is worth everything. So pray. Ask Him to change you. He delights in answering this prayer.
"Mommy, can I play with my remote control helicopter?" eyes alight.
Yes, baby. Yes, you can.
Oh, Heavenly Father!
Please work in my son's heart. Change him as only you can. Grant me patience, a listening ear, the words that you want me to say. Give him a desire to honor you with his life!
Love,
Your Daughter
Oh how I love that little E-man of yours! Thank you so much for sharing this. We're going through it here, too = working through how to discipline her when she lies & trying to get her to comprehend how much lying hurts everyone, especially God. You prayer at the end will be mine as well - for my children & for myself! May God continue to work in MY heart & give me the desire to honor Him with my life. Thank you dear friend for sharing yourself through this blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement- so thankful that we can pray for one another as we watch our kids learn to love Jesus!!!
DeleteBecky, my son is also six and I love how you are handling this. I plan on having this same talk the next he decides to fib. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! It's such a challenge isn't it?
DeleteThis is precious! We had to deal with lying in our most tender-hearted child when he was that age. Didn't handle it exactly this way but I think we conveyed the same message. He is 22 now and I'm not sure he could tell a lie to save his life. His heart has been changed ... drawn closer to who God wants him to be. And his heart won't allow him to lie. I pray that you will see the same in your precious boy.
ReplyDelete"His heart won't allow him to lie"- love the hope in these words. Thank you, Beth!
DeleteThank you for sharing this precious experience you had. My 5.5 year old is having similar issues and it is so helpful and encouraging to hear how others are working through it and how his heart is responding. :)
ReplyDelete