Acts 2, Part 2
2006 October 15
I’m still playing with the chapter on Acts two and am wrestling to explain the dynamics of a relationship with the Holy Spirit. It’s so hard to talk to adults about this without slipping into the language of behavior modification. It would be so easy to offer seven steps or another to-do list.
It’s making my cognizant of the fact that we can’t present children with relationship with God that can’t be reduced to a check-list.
That’s the type of challenge that forces me to give the children shepherds and mentors, not curriculum dispensers .
I like the “still small voice” concept and relate it to that “other surly voice” that resides in our own conscience. When we are given over to the old nature (another voice) or just become “filled” with a HOLY spirit (the definite article is for effect, not saying this is not GOD. It is now PERMANENT, which Jeremiah longed for.
Curriculum dispensers contains the false behavior that we teach “curriculum” and not “children.” This important distinction in no way disparages “lesson plans”–a clear point you are trying to get across along with a plan to pursue the point–which are necessary. Language is so constricting and often leaves an unworthy alternative. I’m not a fan of “Shepherd” because it is too culturally biased to the world of the old and new testament. I prefer “coach” or “guide” (and think the whole “dance” metaphore is really odd) My thoughts and your book looks to be pretty salient!