Brothers we should stink – by Thabiti Anyabwile|November 1, 2012

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/brothers-we-should-stink

I read a fascinating blog article the other day. Paul and I reguarly talk about the balancing act of raising children in ministry – how much do you let them see, do you let them build friendships with the ‘sinners’ and bad influences that you work with. The whole ‘In the world, but not of the world’ becomes a common topic amongst those that struggle to understand the intricacies of working with troubled communities.

I found this blog article to be the most fitting metaphor for what we discuss. We were greatly encouraged. We encourage our children to make friends with those we work with – not superficial firendships, but genuine friendships. As Christian parents we have the priveledge of guiding them from a very young age through their understanding of the gospel and how it applies to the way they live their lives and to simply state that their lives and ministry must be kept separate is strange and foreign to us. Yes, they might slip the occasional bad word, and imitate some of the behaviours they have seen in their encounters, but I would much prefer this comes from real life observations than through other media channels / experiences in a ‘Cotton Wool’ world.

So – does your family smell of the sheep whom you shepherd? Are you close enough to the sheep that they know your voice? Are you close enough to your shepherd – that you know His voice?

Erin.