I love hearing children lecture each other. Today was a great example. Eve had something that John wanted, so he gave her a lecture something like this..."Eve, you shouldn't be so worried about things. Things aren't important." (Translation: You shouldn't be so worried about your things that you won't let me play with them whenever I want to.)
Minutes later, Ellie had something that Eve wanted, and she wouldn't share...hmmm tables turned. This lecture went something like, "Ellie, you need to share. When you don't share, it makes God sad. God wants you to give me those glasses. If you don't, you're making God sad." I asked Eve if she was more concerned about getting the glasses, or about Ellie learning to share. I explained that if she was more concerned about getting the glasses, then she was being selfish and that also makes God sad. Of course, she said she was more concerned about teaching Ellie to share. (Translation: You need to give me whatever you have that I want whenever I want it, or else I'll try to make you feel guilty.)
Funny, we never have these theological lectures from the other perspective, i.e. tables are turned and now you've got the toy someone else wants. Is God still sad if that toy isn't shared? My guess is no. He clearly wants the lecturer to have the toy, no matter the circumstance.
I'm pretty sure it's a theology we never effectively shake, unfortunately, but in the context of 1-5 year-olds (particularly when Ellie repeats everything in a similar tone), it's quite comical.
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