Several times in scripture God uses the Lift-Up Method. This phrase was coined by a speaker I once heard at a conference. Anne Ortlund showed the conference attendees several places in the bible when God's people were addressed using this method.
One was Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel came to her to announce that she would be the mother of the Savior of World, he addressed her as "blessed among women." I'm sure humble, teenage Mary must have looked around to see who this angel was talking to! Another time, when an angel came to Gideon, the angel called him a valiant warrior. I KNOW this must have taken Gideon aback because he was hiding from the Midianites in a wine press while he threshed wheat hoping not to be seen.
It's in God's character to call us by what He is shaping us to be, not what we are right at that moment. God can see His son Jesus in us when we see just a plain person who falls and makes mistakes way too often.
Aren't you so thankful that God sees you as the person He's molding you to be instead of what you are today?
This method of lifting up a person through words can also work on our children. When we see them doing something good, we can praise them and tell them what a young lady or young man they are becoming.
Even if your child seems to be the most defiant and disobedient child in the universe, I can assure you that lifting him or her up with your words will speak volumes into your child's heart and make them swell with pride knowing Mommy or Daddy thinks they are becoming a "little man" or "little lady." This method works for children of any age- toddler, school age, or teen. I've seen my children change, even if it's over a long period of time, when I call them by what they are becoming, not by what they are at the moment.
Try it. Be persistant with this method and you'll see a change. Praising your child in this way can be a great tool for molding and shaping them into a child after God's heart.
That's good stuff, Lori. Thank you for the reminder.
Posted by: Cynthia Howe | November 11, 2011 at 09:14 AM