“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ”
It seems easier than ever to find resources for families affected by disability or special needs. While there may not be a family in my own neighborhood with a child like mine, I can definitely do a quick social media search to find them all over the world and follow all that they do and say.
At times, however, we believers need a reminder of the caution Jesus gave us to beware that we are in the world but not of it. It is so easy to formulate my parenting style, my kids’ activities, the next steps we should take, or the expectations we set based on what the world recommends. Checking in prayerfully on what God would have me to do seems unnecessary if the world has already made its recommendation.
I find that I’m more likely to apply the Bible in areas where it makes sense to me. Certain sinful or worldly mindsets and attitudes are easy to identify as problems. But there are other areas I found that I don’t even take a pause to wonder, “Is this the right way, or simply the world’s way?” After doing this for a couple of decades, I can confirm that even in areas like parenting typical siblings, or pursuing therapies and programs, Jesus’ counsel is vital.
Photo credit: Oliver Roos on Unsplash.com.
Adjusting attitudes to line up with the mind of Christ can be a complete paradigm shift for the special needs family. Knowing that our child is fearfully and wonderfully made and that he was knit together in my womb for a special purpose and destiny is a stark contrast to the world’s view. If I instruct my typical child that his disabled brother is a gift given strategically by God, then my parenting of both of them will be very different than the examples I might see in the world.
My favorite scripture on this topic is found in Romans 12:2. Here is the advice we are given by Paul:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.””
The more I follow Paul’s daily prescription, the more I can see what the right answer for my family is. The more I test and discern the unique path for my kids, the more the world will see a difference in us and we will be the salt and light we are called to be—disabilities and all!
Friend, you have found your way to Key Ministry today which is a great place to encounter like-minded voices that can guide you in your journey, and remind you of the biblical truths that apply to special needs parenting.
Here are some more verses to study on the topic of being in the world, but not of the world: John 15:18-19, John 17:15-16, 1 John 2:17, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Romans 12:2.
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