Little
Catechisms
for Life
Telling each other true stories.
We are always telling ourselves stories about our lives – what happened to us and why, and what it means and says about us. This story-telling is powerful because it provides us with an interpretation of our lives, which orients us to our days. The challenge? Telling ourselves true stories. Because whatever story we tell, whether true or untrue, over time, we will come to believe it – and we are prone to telling untrue stories. This is why we need to tell stories in the light of what God says about our lives. He has given us the true and better interpretation of the ups and downs and ins and outs of our lives. And if we tell them to each other, over time, we will come to believe them. Below are some stories (mini catechisms) our family uses to help us keep things in God’s perspective.
1. Setting Out
Dad: To what are you called today, beloved?
Kids: To love the Lord our God,
with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.
Dad: What an adventure! Anything else?
Kids: To love our neighbour as ourselves.
Dad: How can such a quest be made
in such a fallen world?
Kids: By walking after the Spirit of God
who dwells in us through Christ.
He leads us not in the things of the flesh
but into righteousness.
2. Contentment
Dad: Is it enough?
Family: It is!
Dad: Are you content?
Family: We are!
Dad: Who is the giver of these?
Family: God, the giver of every good gift.
Doxology
3. Peace
Dad: Is it raining or shining, beloved?
Family: It’s raining.
Dad: Does the Lord send both?
Family: He does.
Dad: Does the Lord work in both?
Family: He certainly does.
And we all say: Blessed be the name
of the Lord.
4. Thankfulness
Dad: Is it raining or shining, beloved?
Family: It’s shining.
Dad: Does the sun shine by chance?
Family: No, it shines by God’s grace.
And we all say: Thanks be to God.
5. Fighting Sin
Dad: Is sin crouched at the door, beloved?
Children: It is.
Dad: And what does it want?
Children: To rule over us.
Dad: But does sin have any claim on you?
Children: Certainly, certainly not!
Dad: How can this be so?
Children: For one who has died
is free from sin,
and we died to sin with Christ!
Dad: Then let not sin reign
in your mortal body,
that you should obey its lusts.
6. Fighting Folly
Dad: Is Folly calling, beloved?
Children: She is.
Dad: What do you know of her?
Family: She promises sweetness
but serves only death.
Dad: True, does wisdom also call?
Children: She does!
And we all say:
Blessed is the one who listens to Wisdom,
and learns the notes of her chord,
whatever you do get wisdom, beloved,
begin with the fear of the Lord.
7. Doing Hard Things
Dad: Is it difficult, beloved?
Child: It is.
Dad: And what are you tempted to do?
Child: To shrink away from danger,
and from failure and defeat.
Dad: Surely there’s a better way
for those who follow Christ?
And we all say: God is with his children
when they put their trust in Him,
He can give us courage,
say a prayer and then begin!