26 June 2010 | 6 comments

‘Missional lifestyle’: Home (the idolatries) Nicole Starling

Sarah Brown26/06/2010 07:08 AM

Does this post allow room for children/parenting in our homes? If so, perhaps a misplaced desire to parent in a certain way…..belief that we discipline our children in an attempt to glorify God. Often for me it may be an attempt to make them look good and for me to feel better about myself. It can include anything from sleep schedules, spanking to performing chores.

Sarah Brown26/06/2010 07:13 AM

I should have started my previous comment with Worship of my Parenting Style.

Nicole Starling26/06/2010 11:37 AM

Yes, I agree!  Another example of a good thing that can become an object of worship in itself.  I guess the tricky thing is working out how you behave differently when your parenting is idolatrous rather than (ultimately) for God’s glory.  That would be another whole post - or maybe another series!

Roger Gallagher26/06/2010 01:37 PM

A few years ago, whilst visiting family friends in one of the new “McMansion” suburbs, I noticed something strange. Despite having double garages, all the neighbours parked their cars on the street. The reason, I was told, was that the garages were too full of stuff to fit the cars in.

Peter Sholl26/06/2010 07:38 PM

Hi Nicole,
I think this probably comes as a subset under your first point - worship of possessions.

One of my observations in this area is the definition of ‘necessary’ possessions, and the worship that is associated with them.

In this area, facebook comments can be very revealing. If I read one more facebook status update (from my Christian friends) about the coffee machine and how terrible it is that the grind isn’t quite right or the steam pressure is a bit off, I think I’m going to scream.

Most people in the world live without an expensive coffee machine and worry more about basic food and health than steam pressure. In our Australian society dominated by ‘stuff’ we need to get some serious perspective. Perhaps its time someone said ‘Hey - the King has no clothes on!’

Sharan Hall27/06/2010 12:34 AM

so true Peter.. and the coffee phenomena also affects our hospitality.. a cup of nescafe 43 doesnt just cut it any more.. we think we have to have a certain standard to invite people to join us for a cuppa.. or we feel the need to meet at a coffee shop..(thus causing a certain distance in the relationship that we may not have been actively seeking..)This is such a phenomena that there is a number of billboard adds for nescafe that extoll the virtues of a simple cuppa.. like “Lol is more fun when you are with a friend.” There were others but i only remember that one.

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Paul is one of the Staff Editors at Matthias Media. He is married to Cathy and has three fantastic kids. He loves student ministry, reading, writing music and playing the saxophone, and is looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face.

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