“Why, Mommy?” asked each of my three precious daughters as she traveled through childhood. No matter which child or what circumstance, the answer was always the same, “Because I love you and want to keep you safe.”
Each could rarely fathom the reason behind a rule, (Why can’t I run out into the street after my ball?) Hopefully she would learn to trust my judgement and my rules, even when she didn’t understand.
As each has aged and begun babysitting, the realization dawns. Young children truly think for themselves. But they don’t always possess the knowledge or experience to uncover the best answers.
My daughters now understand why we have rules and enforce them. They now comprehend how dearly we love them and wanted to protect them, keeping them out of harm’s way.
God does the same with His children. He gives us rules for our own good. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to warn us when we’re going the wrong way.
Instead of rebelling and claiming independence, doing things my way, I find life is better and more richly blessed when I obey Him.
James 1:16-17 warns us, “Don’t be deceived. Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like the shifting shadows.” (NIV)
Basically:
Don’t buy into any lies.
All gifts are blessings from God.
God doesn’t change.
Don’t buy into the lies you hear in the world. Listen to His words, words filled with wisdom. A wisdom we can’t fathom and will never find ourselves. Be careful what you put before yourself. Those messages in the shows you watch, the media you read, and the music you hear will penetrate your mind. If you spend more time with those things and hearing those messages, those are the things you will think about and will act upon.
God doesn’t change. While our world ‘evolves,’ and man thinks he makes considerable progress, God stays the same. God is holy. He doesn’t need to progress. He’s waiting for us to realize what we really need is Him. What a comfort that the Creator of the universe is constant in His ideals, His love, and His expectations.
He loves us and He wants to keep us safe: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
He truly has incomprehensible wisdom; we do not.
He can see the entire picture; we can not.
He knows the plans He has for us; we do not.
Why should we obey Him? Simply put, He is a loving Father to His children. He loves us and He wants to keep us safe.
Reflections:
How have I been blessed by following His rules?
Which of God’s rules have I considered unimportant in my life?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, How easily I write off some of Your rules, as outdated or not applicable to me. Please forgive such attitudes and convict my heart to obey You. Please teach me to focus my thoughts on You. Please prompt me to spend more time with You, so I know what You expect. Thank You for loving me, and working to protect me with You laws. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Friday, July 8, for the next post.