As children, we were tempted to do something or say something that we knew our parents wouldn’t like.
We were tempted to steal, either by the prodding of a kid from school or by a sibling.
We were tempted to bully or gossip about another child, even though we hated it when others did so to us.
We were tempted to look at dirty magazines and think we were getting away with something.
We were tempted to make faces at our parents after they corrected us and had turned away.
Whatever the case, in one way or another, we all crossed that line of displeasing behavior at some point.
It was foolish and childish.
It was wrong.
If we knew also that God didn’t like the behavior, then it was sinful.
Thank the Lord for His mercy in not destroying us on the spot even though we deserved it, just as we still do whenever we sin.
Hopefully, our frequency of sinning is not what it was earlier in our lives.
The Bible calls us to lay aside the foolish and childish things. We are called to live for Christ and like Christ.
Thinking of what displeases our earthly parents might not be on our radar screens now that we’re adults. Yet, considering the perspective of our Heavenly Father SHOULD be front and center in our behavioral or attitudinal decisions.
Pleasing Him is to be job #1 in all that we think, do and say.
Every decision should pass through the filtering question of “What will God think of my choice?” or of “What examples in the Bible show me that this idea is a good one?”
Job decisions. Family behavior decisions. Financial decisions. Health decisions. Private behavior decisions. Each should be evaluated against the tests of Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 73:25-26.
- “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given unto you” (Matthew 6:33)
- “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)
The more that our lives are sold out to pleasing God because we don’t want anything to come between Him and us, the more strength and contentment He will pour into our hearts.
Listen, whatever behavior or atittude that you and I possess and that God wouldn’t approve of NEEDS to go away. Why? Because our flesh and attitudes will fail but God’s powerful grace and love are forever.
Let’s make sure that we remain in His grace by protecting His pre-eminent place in our hearts and lives.
As always, I love you
Martin
