Taking care of my 5-year-old granddaughter one day, she asked to do something but added, “but don’t tell mom and dad because they would say no. Another time, I watched with amused interest as my other granddaughter sat at the counter, deep in thought, choosing between the “no” thing she wanted or the “time out.” Guess what the little spitfire chose. I can recall instances when my children were that age, when they would avoid me, trying to hide what they were doing, because they knew I would not approve.
Adults are just as guilty. We’ve all heard the phrase, “don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.” There are times when believers, followers of Christ, fully realize and choose to avoid God, turning aside deliberately, because they know what is desired would not be God honoring.
Murder and thievery are wrong, but little things are important too. A handful of potato chips, ok, but the entire bag? That is not good stewardship in caring for the body God blessed you with. Letting loose that slight dig comment? Passive aggressive behavior slyly and dishonestly damages relationships. These are just two examples of knowingly choosing to reject the Holy Spirits nudging inside, you know – like when you sense that very slight, quick feeling inside that says “no” but you reject it, choosing to do what you want anyway.
“Therefore, he who rejects [God’s word] does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit” (1 Thes 4:8).
The good news is that where-ever we are in our faith journey and the current moments, it is the perfect place and time to choose Jesus and his teachings. Paul encourages Timothy in 2 Tm 1: 6-7, liking Timothy’s knowledge, faith and God given gift to a spark, a spark to be purposefully fanned into a great flame (spiritual growth) “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” — With God’s help we can do this!!
Read God’s word and obey. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey. Why? Because God loves us and wants us to enjoy the best that life has to offer: healthy relationships, good physical health, the joy that comes when living in a right relationship with Him, and so much more.
Yes, we are a “work in progress.” Yes, it is difficult. Yes, we will stumble and fall. Paul acknowledges that he was the worst sinner, yet God showed Paul mercy as an example of His “unlimited patience for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Tm 1:16).
2 Pe 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
Lord, thank you for your mercy, grace, love and unlimited patience. Help us to do better now, the rest of today, tomorrow and each day thereafter. Thank you for your Holy Spirit’s guidance. May we be active learners, willing to stop, listen and obey. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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