Catch 22

PKs. Images comes to mind,stereotypes of the typical Pastor Kid. Somehow these children are deemed "more wild, more disobedient" than other children. They are restrained, restricted, judged so much that some day they flee the nest and church in a burst of freedom from hypocrisy and rules. We all know them. Overlooked, but very present, are the other PKs. The ones living within the church as pharisees, trying hard to keep all the rules and earn approval based on their good works. Knowing truth, trying to obey in their own efforts, but hearts far from the Lord. We all know them.

It changes when you are raising them.

Next time you starting thinking negative (judging?) your pastor based on the actions and attitudes of his children - consider this, it's a catch 22. If the pastor's children are sitting quietly and responding to questions of great spiritual depth, it's no surprise - right? They are the pastor's kids. They are supposed to be super spiritual and well- behaved. Timothy clearly outlines the elder/pastor's home management. Somehow we read this and assume a well-managed home is completely obedient children. Free from sin and childish behavior. I think at times I do. No, a pastor (and wife) who are diligent in this area recognize all too well that their children are born depraved and fall short of the glory of God. They recognize that their children, because they are children, are prone to foolishness and childishness and because they are sinners, are destined to sin.

So while we should train our children to sit quietly and behave in church, we recognize that quiet children are not the goal. Listening children, actively engaging in the proclamation of the Word and being changed is the goal. Children move, they ask questions, they even speak a bit loud. Is our children's consecretion more important than our concentration?

When you see PKs - pray. Pray for God's grace in their lives as they live under an unspoken burden of expectation and approval, knowing that their father's job is on the line because of them. Pray for grace. A pastor can no more save his children than he could save himself. Pray. Pray for mercy, that God would save this next generation, grant them a HUGE view of Himself, and sustain them to proclaim His glory to the ends of the earth. Instead of critiqueing - PRAY.