Drive Thru Theology

I love taking car trips with my daughter.  She has an inredible mind and asks really great questions.  It is impossible to calculate the number of conversations that we have had and the topics of those conversations.  Some of them have included: what modern day pirates look like, hot air balloons and if they offer free rides, if her toy wand really possesses magical powers, can a Great Dane fit in a Camaro, Darth Vader and general frustration over people being in front of us in the drive thru and the possibilty that they are taking the last happy meal toy.  Along with those amazing conversations that, by the way, I enjoy thoroughly, we also talk a little theology. 

Some of these conversations happen on the way to church.  Like,"We're going to church in a hotel??!!  Really?" To which I'm able to reply "Yeah baby.  You know, church isn't about the building." Then a conversation about church is born.  Or after picking her up from school I hear "Marissa is mean!  She said (insert insulting remark here)" and we start a conversation on forgiveness and how Christ forgave us of a BUNCH of mean things.  Don't get me wrong there are tons of moments where this doesn't happen.  Either, I'm tired or Savannah is just not up for having a discussion on the matter.  However, the more I try the more I multiply my chances of one of those conversations sticking.  There are times when I think I've made a pretty good case and it falls completely flat.  There are other times that I'm sure that I have stunk it up royally and she gets it.  I wish there were a formula.  The only formula I can come up with is Paul's in Acts 17:16.

Scripture states that Paul's "spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols."  Do you ever feel this way?  I mean, you see something on TV that should not be on during prime time and your kid is sitting in front of the screen.  I still remember my daughter uttering the phrase "Why he's got no head?" Before she was able to formulate sentences correctly.  I was horrified by what was being show on TV.  My spirit was provoked within me.  It made me sad that a generation of kids have to witness stuff like that.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a "Boycott everything that disagrees with my beliefs" kinda guy at all.  I was just miffed.  We also see it in our teens.  The stars they idolize and the sports figures that grab their attention are not exactly who you want to model ourself after.  My spirit is provoked within me when I see that.

YET, which is a key word, YET they are teaching points.  Don't spend your time ranting about why "kids these days" aren't respectful, while you raise your cane on your front porch.  Use it like Paul did.  It was a time to teach those who are knee deep in that culture something about the One true living God!  Take the opportunity without getting too preachy with them.  Don't beat them over the head with it or sermonize them.  Have a discussion with them over it.  See what they think.  Shut up and listen for a while and  you might be surpised about what you can find out about your kid.  But it all starts with you following the Spirit when He stirs you.  How will you react when the time comes?