Here is a good teaching tip from a reformed perspective:
As you are cleaning a kid up a million times a day, say:
“Clean face,
Clean hands,
New heart!”
You can add “Clean feet” when you need to!
Why do this? You are laying a foundation in the child’s mind to accept the biblical principle of the Holy Spirit’s sovereign work in salvation. And you are reminding yourself of this doctrine of our salvation and our need of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)
“”As it is written, “There is noe righteous, no, not one. They are all gone out of the way,they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.’ “ (Romans: 3:10
“And you hath he quickened, wo were dead in trepasses and sins. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ; (by grace you are saved.)” ( Ephesians 2:1, 5)
“…I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:33)
You need this doctrine too! How else are you going to raise this kid unless strengthen, encouraged, revived to do it? Stop now, thanking God for His work in your own heart and praise Him for His whole plan of salvation. Or ask Him for a new heart for yourself or plead with Him for the salvation of your children.
And don’t forget that children are fun. We are to delight in them and their childishness. Keep your balance. They are little sinners but aren’t they cute. My grandsons sure are.
