The years between one and three have been dubbed the “terrible two’s” by those who have gone through them and survived. I personally have not had the opportunity to go through them, but since I am a devoted aunt to several nephews and one niece, I can attest to the fact that such a phenomenon as the “terrible twos” does exist! Here are a few of the behaviors I have noticed:

- selfishness

- “mine” is often a favorite word

- will play to the point of exhaustion

- will resist sleep at all costs (evidenced by sleeping with food stuck on the face or in the play pen with a toy clenched in the fist)

- wants to eat what isn’t good for him

- will only eat what he wants

- cries when he can’t get his way

- cries so that you’d think he might die

- cries until he turns many shades of color resulting in bright red or blue

- wants his own way at all costs

- will wet his pants before thinking of going to take care of himself

- will pinch, hit, or bite if necessary to get his own way

- will run from parents who are there to guide, discipline, and help

- charms to get his own way

Of course, this is an extreme picture of a child in the terrible two’s. There are many joys that a child of this age brings! However, a child of 6, 10 or 15 should not exhibit such behaviors nor would parents allow such behaviors. How interesting is it that we mature Christians allow a 20 or 30 year old Carnal Inner Man throw such tantrums daily and we strive to keep the “baby” quiet as our lives spiral out of control!

In my study of 1Peter 4, I found the phrase, “Christ suffered in His body… arm yourselves with the same attitude.” This made me think of how Christ lived His life while on earth. He walked everywhere He went, He had no place to lay His head, and he suffered ultimately on the cross. I would have difficulties with the first on that list, although I should do more walking! In this day and time we have made pampering our bodies an art form. Spas and resorts are the ultimate vacation spots. Denying the flesh is the last thing we want to do and the first thing we avoid!

I have shared thoughts about the terrible two’s, but really it’s about the condition of our hearts. May we give complete control over our lives to Jesus as we learn to die daily to the flesh.  As we seek to do this, God will show us His patience and kindness as He leads us closer to Him!