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Showing posts with label Parents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parents. Show all posts
Many of you who know me, are aware that I am a proud parent of two beautiful girls, whom I cherish and love deeply. There isn’t much that I would not do for them. In fact, like many parents, I receive great joy in giving them gifts. Things that are nice, things of value, things I have spent time and thought over and are certain they will enjoy. However, one of the most frustrating things I, and many parents experience, is watching our offspring misuse, abuse, and often times destroy these gifts.
Feelings of anger, hurt, rejection and frustration, often boil to the surface as we struggle to understand why our kids can’t appreciate and take proper care of the gifts we have given them. At times, we take the way our children treat the gifts we give them, as a personal insult and attack against us. However, this is usually not true. Instead, our children fail to fully appreciate the complete extent of the gift, sentiment, and value of it.
However, each one of us has been guilty of doing this very same thing. We have received many gifts of great value and worth. Yet at times have not treated them with the respect and care they deserve. Not only have we done this with gifts from our parents, but from our Heavenly Father as well.
Yesterday was “Earth Day.” Some may not have been aware of that, and others could care less. For many earth day conjures up images of longhaired hippies driving around in VW bugs worshiping the trees, rivers, and animals.
In fact, many of us are tired of the color Green, don't care about a carbon foot print, wonder what “eco-friendly” really means, and question the science behind global warming or “Global Climate Change.” While it is true that Earth Day has become a vehicle for many to promote evolutionary and new age concepts and political agendas, this is a perfect time for Christians to evaluate what our role is in maintaing the environment.
In Genesis chapters one and two we are reminded that God established the earth. He created everything, birds, trees, land, water, sky, even light itself came from God. In Colossians 1:16-17, we are told that God also sustains all creation, by carefully watching over it and holding it together! Again in Psalm 24:1 and I Corinthians 10:26 we reminded that all creation is still His; in fact He rules over it. All creation belongs to the Lord.
Yet, Genesis further teaches that God entrusted His creation to the care of man. Verses 15 states “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” It was always part of God’s plan for man to care for, watch over (or protect), and keep up all that He has created. God placed man as a watchman, steward, and a guardian over His creation. He was to watch and care for it, defending and keeping it in the best condition.
This command still rings true today. People are to be good stewards of all that God has created. This is not done to save the planet, for we know that this world will too someday pass away, nor is it done in honor of “mother earth.” Caring for creation is an act of obedience and worship to the almighty God. He cares for His creation, and we should too.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to enter into spiritual conversations; for people of all shapes, sizes, creeds and backgrounds care about the environment. Sadly, many are focused in the wrong direction. Yet, Romans 1:20 tell us that all creation shows the glory and nature of God. Lets the seize the moment, and direct their interest away from the creation towards the Creator.
A few weeks ago my oldest daughter turned six years old. I can hardly believe it; for it seems just like yesterday that I was rushing my wife to the hospital as her contractions increased. But alas, my girl is growing up.
As my daughter ages, the more responsibility she desires. Often, I can see it on her face, wishing she was old enough to make her own decisions; old enough to no longer take direction or obey her parents.
I remember having similar thoughts as well. Thinking how great it must be for adults not having someone constantly telling them what to do, where to go, how to act. How easy they had it: for they didn’t have to obey anyone.
I recall longing for those days as a teenager. Counting down until I turned 18 and was finally an adult, no longer answering to anyone; especially my parents. I waited with anticipation for the time when I could decide for myself what to do, when to go to bed, and where to eat. I imagined a life free from authority, free from accountability, and free from any correction. A time where the only one I had to obey was myself.
However, I soon learned my thinking was wrong. Accountability never ceases, for “each of us will give an account of himself to God” Romans 14:12. Obedience (especially to God) transcends age, and much to my disappointment, never gets easier. Abraham learned this lesson as well. In Genesis 17 God entered into a special covenant with Abraham and his decedents. According to Genesis 17:9-14 the sign of this covenant was circumcision, and any uncircumcised male would be cut off from God’s blessing. Abraham wasted no time. Later that day he, his son Ishmael, and every male in his household was circumcised.
Abraham was no spring chicken. Genesis 17:24 says “Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised.” Yep that’s right ninety-nine years old!
God didn’t give Abraham a pass because of his age. No, he still required Abraham to obey his command and walk according to His covenant. This couldn’t have been easy or desirable! No one would have blamed a man who had lived nearly a century to attempt to escape such a request. Yet, Abraham didn’t, nor did he even raise a slight objection or complaint. Instead, out of respect, love, devotion, and gratefulness for God, Abraham obeyed and insisted his household do the same!
As we age, it can easy to let compromise creep in. To allow things in our home and our life that we would have never before. Yet, that isn’t right. God doesn't change his requirements, or have different expectations because we are older. No. His Law remains the same. Regardless of our age, His Word still demands our attention and obedience. His grace and mercy continue to require a response. Age is never an excuse for disobedience or dishonor.
While no longer accountable to our parents, or possibly no longer have impressionable children at home, we are still accountable to God. Our lives should still be a living sacrifice to Him. May we walk in His ways by His grace each day of our life.
Labels: Abraham, Accountability, Adults, Bible, Circumcision, Compromise, Covenant, Devotions, Freedom, Genesis 17, God, Growing Up, Ishmael, Law, Obedience, Obedience Transcends Age, Obey, Parents, Romans 14:12, Teenager
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