Authenticity

Help My Kids are Hurting by Marv Penner


Authenticity

There is a danger of uncensored authenticity. It does not mean that we open every part of our thoughts and lives to the kids in our life. Your child may not be able to correctly process your total transparency. It may be good to show the children what you came out of. Wisdom dictates that you know the timing of such revelation.

On the other hand don’t think that you can have a false façade and get away with it. When kids figure out that you are not who you say you are, your credibility and word is called into question. The Psalmist says, “Search me, O God … test me … see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23,24)

Understand the kids you are ministering to. They may come from dysfunctional families and they don’t need to you add more dysfunction.

Here’s a Hint

Filter your level of personal disclosure through the law of love in Ephesians 4:29. Which reminds us: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ask yourself, is this conversation helping my student friend or is it just something I need to get off my chest? Will this build up or tear down the kid who hears it?