Faulty Thinking?

[StormyOne]

"I don't deserve this, you've been too good to me," "I am unworthy," "I am wretched," "I am no good," "why do you bless me so?"

If our children constantly stated those things to us, we would seek counseling for them... so why is it okay for those who call themselves "Children of God" to constantly say such things? Perhaps counseling is needed?


"As a person thinks in their mind, so are they......"


thoughts?

 

[VictorC]

"I don't deserve this, you've been too good to me," "I am unworthy," "I am wretched," "I am no good," "why do you bless me so?"

If our children constantly stated those things to us, we would seek counseling for them... so why is it okay for those who call themselves "Children of God" to constantly say such things? Perhaps counseling is needed?


"As a person thinks in their mind, so are they......"


thoughts?

Many of your statements seem to reflect how we actually are when compared to a Holy God. As for "why do you bless me so?", I think the answer can be found in imputed righteousness.

 

[StormyOne]

Many of your statements seem to reflect how we actually are when compared to a Holy God. As for "why do you bless me so?", I think the answer can be found in imputed righteousness.

Why would we choose to compare ourselves with The Creator? Why is it difficult for us to believe that we are and that he does not think of us in those terms.... Imputed righteousness would be a theological term that cannot capture the essence of a relationship between The Creator our father, and us his kids....

 

[VictorC]

Why would we choose to compare ourselves with The Creator?

I thought that was your intent implied in the OP. If not, I don't have an interest in reducing God to the level of fallen mankind.

 

[StormyOne]

I thought that was your intent implied in the OP. If not, I don't have an interest in reducing God to the level of fallen mankind.

Nope not the intent at all, perhaps our perception of The Creator may be different... thanks for checking out the thread... take care...

 

[AzA]

"I don't deserve this, you've been too good to me," "I am unworthy," "I am wretched," "I am no good," "why do you bless me so?"

If our children constantly stated those things to us, we would seek counseling for them... so why is it okay for those who call themselves "Children of God" to constantly say such things? Perhaps counseling is needed?

"As a person thinks in their mind, so are they......"

thoughts?

It's nice to be in relationships where you don't have to degrade yourself in order to stay in relationship. It's also nice to be in relationships where you don't have to assert yourself in order to stay in relationship.

When I've had encounters like these I have felt safe and accepted -- and yet have also felt like I wouldn't destabilize things if I grew.

Situations dependent on assertion or demotion aren't safe. And trust can't flourish there.

But this is not the same as the ability to recognize difference. We can tell the difference between an acorn and an oak. But we don't imagine the oak lords it over the acorn.

 

[StormyOne]

It's nice to be in relationships where you don't have to degrade yourself in order to stay in relationship. It's also nice to be in relationships where you don't have to assert yourself in order to stay in relationship.

When I've had encounters like these I have felt safe and accepted -- and yet have also felt like I wouldn't destabilize things if I grew.

Situations dependent on assertion or demotion aren't safe. And trust can't flourish there.

But this is not the same as the ability to recognize difference. We can tell the difference between an acorn and an oak. But we don't imagine the oak lords it over the acorn.

Agreed AzA, and I do not believe The Creator intended that the relationship he has with us consist of us constantly degrading ourselves or groveling on the ground.... Relationships which require that are not safe nor healthy...

 

[Byfaithalone1]

"I don't deserve this, you've been too good to me," "I am unworthy," "I am wretched," "I am no good," "why do you bless me so?"

If our children constantly stated those things to us, we would seek counseling for them... so why is it okay for those who call themselves "Children of God" to constantly say such things? Perhaps counseling is needed?


"As a person thinks in their mind, so are they......"


thoughts?

I follow your thought process and I am not opposed to it. Certainly, I would hate it if my children quivered in fear whenever they were around me. However, as I teach respectfulness to my children, my position as "dad" elicits from my children a level of respect. Hopefully, that respect doesn't lead to a feeling of "I am wretched" and rather leads to thoughts such as "I trust him;" "he has my best interest at heart;" and "I am loved" (at least that is my hope).

BFA

 

[Avonia]

However, as I teach respectfulness to my children

Understood. And that respect should be mutual. From parents to children and children to parents.

 

[StormyOne]

I follow your thought process and I am not opposed to it. Certainly, I would hate it if my children quivered in fear whenever they were around me. However, as I teach respectfulness to my children, my position as "dad" elicits from my children a level of respect. Hopefully, that respect doesn't lead to a feeling of "I am wretched" and rather leads to thoughts such as "I trust him;" "he has my best interest at heart;" and "I am loved" (at least that is my hope).

BFA

Is there a difference between being respectful and groveling at your feet? Would it concern you if your kids were afraid of you and coupled with what was always telling you "I am unworthy," "I don't deserve the good things you do for me?" If that was all your relationship amounted to, there would be some serious issues don't you think?

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Understood. And that respect should be mutual. From parents to children and children to parents.

I agree and this is true throughout the life of the parent/child relationship. However, I sense that the relationship goes through various phases. Earlier in the process, more instruction is needed. Later, respect from child to parent flows more naturally.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Is there a difference between being respectful and groveling at your feet?

Without question.

Would it concern you if your kids were afraid of you and coupled with what was always telling you "I am unworthy," "I don't deserve the good things you do for me?"

You betcha! In fact, such phrases from my kids would seem extremely foreign!

If that was all your relationship amounted to, there would be some serious issues don't you think?

Yes, I agree. I don't take issue with your premise in the OP.

BFA

 

[StormyOne]

I didn't think you were BFA, and thanks for weighing in on this topic.... It was something I have been pondering for a few days.... seems like we are telling ourselves some very negative things.....

 

[Joe67]

The son who received his inheritance felt himself to be capable when he left home.

The day came when his sense of capability changed.

At 70 years of age things appear differently than they did 20 years earlier.

The repentance that does not need to be repented comes in the later years of life.

Joe

 

[Avonia]

The repentance that does not need to be repented comes in the later years of life.

Interesting way of saying it.

 

[RC_NewProtestants]

"I don't deserve this, you've been too good to me," "I am unworthy," "I am wretched," "I am no good," "why do you bless me so?"

If our children constantly stated those things to us, we would seek counseling for them... so why is it okay for those who call themselves "Children of God" to constantly say such things? Perhaps counseling is needed?


"As a person thinks in their mind, so are they......"


thoughts?

What you forgot about is the culture. If you lived in a Judaizer culture and you were fighting the idea that obedience gives you salvation it makes sense to make comments like you did. They stress the reality that you are not going to earn salvation.

 

[1Prophetess]

"I don't deserve this, you've been too good to me," "I am unworthy," "I am wretched," "I am no good," "why do you bless me so?"

If our children constantly stated those things to us, we would seek counseling for them... so why is it okay for those who call themselves "Children of God" to constantly say such things? Perhaps counseling is needed?


"As a person thinks in their mind, so are they......"


thoughts?

I sometimes wonder if people think this shows humility. They see a humble person as putting himself last. So they make sure they are on the bottom.

However, I do not believe that God the Father wants us to be on the ground groveling. (After all, we are sons (and daughters)

of The God!) He does, however, demand respect. No one was allowed in to the Holy of Holies--even at times, the priests would die. When the Ark of the Covenant was touched by non-priests, they died. There are many instances where disobedience caused a persons' death--and disobedience is disrespect. If I don't respect you, I will likely not obey. If I respect you, I will tend to obey you (if you are in authority over me).

FWIW

 

[StormyOne]

God wants more than our respect... he wants our love.... I respect a police officer, that does not mean I love them or care to spend every moment with that officer.... However if it is our goal to spend eternity with The Creator, just having respect will not make that possible....

 

[Byfaithalone1]

God wants more than our respect... he wants our love.... I respect a police officer, that does not mean I love them or care to spend every moment with that officer.... However if it is our goal to spend eternity with The Creator, just having respect will not make that possible....

I agree.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

I sometimes wonder if people think this shows humility. They see a humble person as putting himself last. So they make sure they are on the bottom.

However, I do not believe that God the Father wants us to be on the ground groveling. (After all, we are sons (and daughters)

of The God!) He does, however, demand respect. No one was allowed in to the Holy of Holies--even at times, the priests would die. When the Ark of the Covenant was touched by non-priests, they died. There are many instances where disobedience caused a persons' death--and disobedience is disrespect. If I don't respect you, I will likely not obey. If I respect you, I will tend to obey you (if you are in authority over me).

FWIW

As I read your post, the unrelated thought struck me that it isn't always easy to see the line that exists between healthy self esteem and false pride.

BFA