Quantity DOES Matter!
In reading a Christian book by Marcia Mitchell, I came upon this quote by her, "It wasn't the quantity but rather the quality of training Eunice provided that made the difference in Timothy's life". She was referring, of course, to Timothy of the Bible.
Oh really? I beg to differ. For years there was this quality versus quantity argument going around in regard to time with our kids. Maybe people aren't fooled by that anymore because I haven't heard it lately. And to be fair, this quote was taken from a book whose copyright is 1984. But the same principle applies.
I would love to know how she came to this conclusion. It doesn't say it anywhere in the Bible. In fact, just the opposite is true. Deuteronomy 6:7 says, in regard to God's words, "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Does that sound like quantity to you? It sure does to me. In fact, it sounds like we are to have ongoing dialog with our children.
Our pastor often repeats this quote to us, "Repetition penetrates the dullest of minds." It is not original with him. As I recall, it was one his professor used. In any case, it's true. Do we repeat other things to our children? You bet we do! Anything that is important, you better believe we're going to tell our kids repeatedly. So, if our faith is important, we need to talk about it repeatedly.
Not only that, but we need for our children to hear it from others as well. Hence, it is always a good idea to reinforce our values through church attendance, books, music, and anything else that will help us get the job done.
Of course, there is a difference between training and teaching, but training involves teaching. You train a person how to use a gun by not only telling them but also by showing them. The same is true for Christianity. Your can't just tell your kids, you have to model it as well.
Still unconvinced? Would you jump in your car, tell your child to pay attention, and have one "quality" session of teaching him how to drive? Of course not. Both quality and quantity are necessary, but if I had to choose one over the other, I would choose quantity.
Think of it this way, "Would one 'quality' meal per week keep your child from starving? I think not. Better to feed your child hot dogs seven nights a week than one "good" meal a week. Don't misunderstand, I 'm not suggesting the hot dog diet. Neither am I suggesting poor instruction, I'm just trying to show how ridiculous our thinking can be at times.
When it comes to common sense in regards to hands on things, I'll be the first to tell you I have none. But when it comes to raising children, I wonder when common sense was thrown out the window. Would you like to have some? Then check out the Bible. It is the best childcare manual available. If anyone should know, I guess it is the Lord. He is the best daddy ever!
Oh really? I beg to differ. For years there was this quality versus quantity argument going around in regard to time with our kids. Maybe people aren't fooled by that anymore because I haven't heard it lately. And to be fair, this quote was taken from a book whose copyright is 1984. But the same principle applies.
I would love to know how she came to this conclusion. It doesn't say it anywhere in the Bible. In fact, just the opposite is true. Deuteronomy 6:7 says, in regard to God's words, "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Does that sound like quantity to you? It sure does to me. In fact, it sounds like we are to have ongoing dialog with our children.
Our pastor often repeats this quote to us, "Repetition penetrates the dullest of minds." It is not original with him. As I recall, it was one his professor used. In any case, it's true. Do we repeat other things to our children? You bet we do! Anything that is important, you better believe we're going to tell our kids repeatedly. So, if our faith is important, we need to talk about it repeatedly.
Not only that, but we need for our children to hear it from others as well. Hence, it is always a good idea to reinforce our values through church attendance, books, music, and anything else that will help us get the job done.
Of course, there is a difference between training and teaching, but training involves teaching. You train a person how to use a gun by not only telling them but also by showing them. The same is true for Christianity. Your can't just tell your kids, you have to model it as well.
Still unconvinced? Would you jump in your car, tell your child to pay attention, and have one "quality" session of teaching him how to drive? Of course not. Both quality and quantity are necessary, but if I had to choose one over the other, I would choose quantity.
Think of it this way, "Would one 'quality' meal per week keep your child from starving? I think not. Better to feed your child hot dogs seven nights a week than one "good" meal a week. Don't misunderstand, I 'm not suggesting the hot dog diet. Neither am I suggesting poor instruction, I'm just trying to show how ridiculous our thinking can be at times.
When it comes to common sense in regards to hands on things, I'll be the first to tell you I have none. But when it comes to raising children, I wonder when common sense was thrown out the window. Would you like to have some? Then check out the Bible. It is the best childcare manual available. If anyone should know, I guess it is the Lord. He is the best daddy ever!
Very good article. Point well taken.
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