Reflections Arising from the Association with Individuals Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effect (FAS/E)

Throughout the course of our lives, we are taught that telling lies, theft and promiscuity are inappropriate. In faith circles they are referred to as sinful. But are these acts universally wrong? What about those people in our community who can't connect the results of their behaviour with their actions? What about those people in our community who don't seem to have a conscience?

For example, an individual with FAS/E does not understand that taking something without asking is stealing. That same person can quickly accuse someone else of taking their belongings. People affected by FAS/E don't make the connection. They don't understand how the same rules apply.

Children with FAS/E are terrific chameleons that can fit into any crowd. On Sunday morning they can joyfully and, without guile, participate in worship. By Sunday night they can be in bed with someone they just met and fail to see the double standard in their lifestyle.

Promises can be freely given and just as freely forgotten, which makes it difficult to build relationships of trust. They can spew foul language when they are upset. At times, they can speak sensibly and logically and we give them credit. But there may not have been a connection.

Children and adults with FAS/E don't learn from the consequences of their actions, no matter how carefully explained to them. Grasping the understanding in one situation does not mean they'll know how to apply the lesson half an hour later.

I know that salvation - being a Christian - is a gift of God's grace, but Ephesians 2:20 says that we are also His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works. In light of this teaching, I expected my brothers and sister in Christ to have some level of moral standard, even if they differ significantly from my own. I expect there to be some semblance of living "in a manner worthy of the Lord".

It doesn't seem right to shift those standards to fit circumstance and so I'm left to wonder...does God bend the rules? Do God's rules only apply to certain people? How can God set standards if there are those among us who don't have the ability to abide by them? But then again, can any of us really live up to God's standards? Some of us may look like we're doing a better at "measuring up" but is that any more real?

I'm thankful that God's grace is greater than all my sin. And if it that's the case, surely God's grace is also sufficient for those who live with the limitations of FAS/E.

I believe God's grace extends to people with FAS/E even when, according to my own perception, I don't think they're trying. I believe God knows the extent of their disability and takes those issues into consideration when He deals with them.

I believe God does same when He deals with me.

Top