Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Don't Push the Button! by Bill Cotter

This book cracks us all up!

It is a great way to introduce to young kids the following concept:
When one rule is broken, often more rules follow.

Like in Eden...

...One rule...(Gen 2:17)

became a few...(Gen 3:21-24)

and  then added Ten...(Exodus 20)

and then many, many more.  (rest of Exodus:)

I love how the character Larry specifically states "there's only one rule"...then he starts guessing at others... finally he consults the book titled "so you've pushed the button" to reconcile the pushing of the button. Don't we as humans do just that: break a rule; guess at others to fix them; and hopefully finally consult The Word (both Scripture and Jesus himself) to reconcile all the buttons we push in this life.

A practical example we have used: I used blue painters tape (can even use long string for each "rule" to show how entangled we get in breaking rules; we think freedom is in breaking rules but really is more freeing to follow if it is right set of rules):
Parents tell you "don't play in this area; it is dangerous". You break rule, play and break your arm. Parents take you to the doctor and the doctor says, "you have to keep arm still for several weeks. (stick on piece of tape)  I am putting you in a cast. You can't play sports. (stick on another piece of tape) You can't get it wet, you can't take bath. (and another)You can't go swimming. (and another). You even have to be careful brushing your teeth. (and another)"

One rule has now become FIVE!