Adults have different styles of communication, producing a wide range of reactions, even within their own children. The authoritarian will claim, “this is the way its always been so there is no highway option.” Meanwhile the laissez faire, who are often soft spoken will allow flexibility, offering little resistance to correction. This broad spectrum of coaching, parenting and or teaching leaves a gap, with many blanks to fill in between to properly convey crucial information.
As I child, I remember hearing daily pleas such as “wash your hands, brush your teeth and think before you speak.” Maybe I was naive, but I never questioned or wondered why these things were so important. I simply assumed by father knew best so I tried my best to follow directions. While reading the Old Testament last week, I stumbled upon the source of my dad’s first command, Leviticus 15:11.
Before the invention of microscopes, God understood how germs spread. Thus, to combat this concern, the Lord told Moses to tell the Israelites to wash their hands after going to the bathroom or before eating. Although Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has influenced many to go to extremes, washing your hands is a simple way to remain healthy. As Paul Harvey says in his famous radio deliveries, “Now you know, the rest of the story!”
What commands do you recall from your childhood?
by Jay Mankus
