“Ready, set, let’s head out,” I told my Sunday School group.
Everyone clamored into line eagerly except for one little girl. I urged her to join us.
“But you didn’t say go,” she uttered dejectedly.
It wasn’t the first time her precision overtook her participation. She was always the first to duck out of unstructured play, craving rules. If instructions were given that allowed creativity, she’d ask a bunch of questions to ensure she was getting everything “right.” I never had to worry about missing her classmate’s mistakes or misdeeds – she was quick to tattle.
This little girl had good intentions.
Her deep desire to “get it right” meant she memorized even the punctuation in Bible verses, paid close attention during devotional times, and dutifully, diligently prayed. She wanted to please God. She wanted to “be good” and was deeply distressed when she couldn’t be perfect.
I recognized in her something I struggle with too – a tendency toward legalism in search of assurance.
If you love a child who shares this tendency, here are a few ways to help them avoid the trappings of self-righteousness we face when we lean toward legalism.
Read the rest at Christian Parenting, where I’m honored to contribute.