Okay ... so it's not Kid Rock, but ...
I had heard of this particular sermon from Voddie Baucham, but had not yet listened to it.
Voddie is a really cool guy, yet an even cooler father. I was in charge of offering the invitation to speakers for the SBC Pastor's Conference several years ago. Voddie had never spoken at the Pastor's Conference. To many of you, that doesn't mean a lot. Yet, if you think of your greatest skill/gift/passion, and imagine the largest gathering of others in that field in the entire nation ... and then imagine that YOU are asked to speak to this group. Well, that's how many pastor's would see such an invitation to speak at the Pastor's Conference.
Yet, Voddie declined. He declined immediately. No hesitation, and no, "Let me pray about it," etc. He looked at his calendar and said, "I'm so sorry. I am not able to even consider that. My kids have a piano recital during that time."
So, this is a little nugget for all of those who are followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ (and possibly some who are not - you can always glean something from the Voddster!). Don't let the denominational thing mess with you. Just focus on: How do I view children? How do I view my role as their parent? Where am I screwing that up, based on what the Holy scriptures teach me?
I also enjoy the Voddie-isms:
"You smellin' what I'm steppin' in?"
"I don't write the mail. I just deliver it."
Happy Sabbath!
6 comments:
I have just listened to the sermon and I am SO moved and completly convicted, on so many levels. I have one child and have all but decided that was it, scared of what another child would do to our family... it is selfish on so many levels. That is going to be a long prayer I feel coming...
But, I am going to be sending this sermon to some key individuals at our church. We are a church in transition and have been in turmoil this past year. Our young families and youth have been failing and this sermon sheds light on why... Christine, thank you with all my heart for this. God knew I needed to hear this...
The things he says about youth ministry...I tend to agree.
But outbreed em'?
Christians don't need to breed more to raise more children. This nation is FULL of children who need parents.
But...most people are more interested in raising children who are the spitting image of their father than the spirit and image of their Father. Hence, thousands of non-white, developmentally delayed, physically handicapped, less-than-desirable children have no hope.
The above comment...written by a woman who just spent a few weeks rotating through a NICU in downtown Detroit.
(Just realized maybe those thoughts could use a bit of context.)
Terroni,
You are EXACTLY on the mark. And, and I knew some would take offense at the whole "out breeding" them approach. Personally, God has never laid on my heart, "Our team is down - jack up the numbers, guys!!" :)
Having listened to Voddie for years, I know that is not his motivation behind parenting - more, just making light of the statistical truth. While he does land farther on the "right" than I do on several issues, I still have a great amount of respect for him and his church's approach to ministry (it's fascinating - completely family oriented). Again (beating my dead horse), we can all learn from each other, even in middle of our differences.
YET - still - you are EXACTLY on the mark. Our family, as well as friends of ours, find ourselves gingerly explaining and slowly announcing our plans to adopt ... despite our ability to conceive, because people in our lives really freak out over it (throw in a child of color, or children born of HIV positive mothers or children from abuse or neglect and they WIG!!!).
It's weird, that some really do look at you with less respect and understanding - especially when you open your life and home to waiting children. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard something like, "Everything is going so well and your kids are doing so great. Why would you want to mess that up?"
Those are just comments the blunt people say to my face. I can only imagine what others are thinking and whispering over coffee. It's backward. I think it grieves the heart of God.
I know it does.
oh my gosh Christine. Last year when Voddie preached his "go have babies" sermon he was about to get his newest addition...and I was like, I'm going home to get pregnant right now! haha... I didn't, but I wanted to. Anyways, I think that he challenges the way that most people view kiddos and I think it's awesome! Great post!
I love this guy and have recently told my husband about him and let him listen to some of his interviews on Family Life or Focus on the Family (one of them, anyway...). We think that he is definitely on to something with his views. We are trying to find out more about him and some of the thoughts he has on the church plants he's helping get formed. Can't wait to learn more!
Post a Comment