Straight talk from the T-man
Did you really just say that?!? Our youngest has always been a fountain of words that no known force in the universe can suppress. I myself once earned the nickname “Constant Comment” for my occasionally chatty demeanor, but all parties now agree that he has usurped me for that title. Our family quote book has exploded in length since his tongue was loosed, and if there’s one thing that will get all 4 of us in fits of laughter, it’s reading his many contributions.
But there’s more than just comedy in those words…there’s wisdom too. So I sat him down for a more serious interview, and this is what I got. I think you’ll find equal parts of both! He was a bit distracted after all…
-So buddy, how are you feeling today?
-Good.
-Fantastic, thanks for taking time out of your (cough cough) “busy” summer schedule to participate in this interview.
-You’re welcome.
-Let’s allow our readers to get to know you a bit better. What do you feel your strengths are?
-Hitting balls really hard.
-You’re right, years of practice with trees, rocks, and walls when you were younger has more productively paid off! As an aspiring athlete, do you think you’ll have enough time for marriage in this career?
-Yes, and then I’ll stand on your head.
-You’ll stand on my head during the wedding? Is that like the latest pre-teen rebel dance move?
-Yes, and I’ll drink pop.
-Well, at least I’ll be invited anyway! So who is the lucky person who gets to marry you?
-Mom!
-But mom’s already married to me! She’s taken dude.
-Dad, you don’t look married.
-Well I do have quite a youthful look, thanks! But mom’s still not an option. No girls from school are catching your eye?
-Uggggggggh!
-Hmm, let’s not chase that one. Maybe tell me what your wife would look like if she can’t be mom.
-She would have brown skin and white hair.
-So kind of the opposite of mom then. Any name come to mind?
-Shirona.
-Cool, can’t wait to meet her someday! Alright, let’s go a bit deeper now. What do you think the meaning of life is?
-Kindness.
-Not a bad answer! Kindness to who?
-To you.
-Even better! You’ve clearly had a solid upbringing. Why would you say God specifically created you?
-To watch videos…and play video games I don’t know how to play yet.
-There’s still time for you, don’t worry. But seriously, what did God want when he created us?
-He wants him and us to be friends.
-I concur wholeheartedly. But how do you get to know him better? Can you talk to him?
-Yep, when we pray.
-Makes sense. And how does he talk back to us?
-The Bible…an old Bible.
-Yeah, it has been around for a long time. So what do you like most about God from what he’s written to you?
-His kindness.
-That’s true, God is kind just for making us! But if he’s so kind, why do bad things happen to people?
-Because they go too fast.
-Yes, we do tend to rush into things we know we shouldn’t, don’t we? Do you think God likes when bad things happen?
-No, not God and not Jesus.
-Interesting. So what does God do when these things happen to people?
-He takes care of them.
-He does, and in more ways than one! What about people who never get to hear about God/Jesus?
-God takes care of them too. God is bigger than that.
-I think he is bigger than this problem too. But how does he help those people know about him?
-Jesus died to get to them.
-You are very knowledgeable! The Bible certainly does teach that once Jesus died, he preaches the gospel to those who never could meaningfully learn about him while they were alive (e.g. John 5:25, 1 Peter 3:18-20, 4:6). Since you seem to be learned in these topics, could you tell us the most important people you think will be in heaven?
-Just God and Jesus.
-So concise and correct! Being with God/Jesus is definitely the reason people should want to go to heaven, as finding him is what we were created for (Click to tweet). Jeremiah 9:24, Acts 17:26-27, Philippians 3:8-11, and John 17:3 are crystal clear about that. But what about people who don’t want that? Do they go somewhere else?
-Yes.
-What’s that place like?
-I don’t know.
-And I don’t want to know! There are some things God clearly tells us about where those folks go, and it doesn’t sound as good as being with God.
-Dad, did Jesus used to be a boy?
-Yes, he was once just as old as you!
-Did he do cool tricks?
-Oh yeah, very cool tricks. He is God after all.
-Are you allergic to cats?
I’m not above incentives for interviews!
-Yes I am. What else would you like to tell me?
-I hope you don’t die.
-Well, I’ll have to in order to live again with God forever. But that’s OK…better than anything else in fact! Any other questions before we’re finished?
-You want to go on a date?
-We just did our All-Dayer! But sure. I just have to clear it with mom and Shirona first.
-OK!
So there you have it folks, a tuition-free, seminary-caliber education from a short, dark, and handsome man. What more could you ask? And if you want to dig deeper into these somewhat-difficult but very important questions – and many others like them – you can also do so for free with my Healing Hereafter ebook series by clicking right here! I admit I’m not as short, dark, or handsome, but I do promise a thorough, biblical exploration of many faith questions that matter.
Thanks for tuning in, and if any of you are named Shirona, well, I hope it works out. 🙂
