A Rebellious Spirit
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. The church tends to copy the customs of this world when we treat children with intellectual disabilities as “angels” who never sin. Children, yes even children with Down syndrome, need to be held responsible for their actions; it’s for their own good. A child with a disability who perseveres through hardship should be commended. But virtues should not blind us to a child’s vices. When we excuse self-absorption or a rebellious spirit as “a necessary coping strategy,” we are hurting that child’s spiritual growth. So, do not turn a blind eye to sin because “oh, that dear child already has it so hard.” No, every person, no matter how young or disabled, is, as it says in the Bible, a living stone that God is honing and shaping and building into his spiritual temple. Want to hear more on this? Then look into our resources at joniandfriends.org.
© Joni and Friends
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