Throughout the years I have been most unsuccessful in dealing with a major character flaw. I do not react nicely when someone tells me I have to do something. I bristle and my immediate response is, “No, I will not do it.” This occurs when I get emails that tell me if I am a good Christian I will pass this on to twenty people or I am not patriotic and don’t care about our troops if the email stops with me. This overt pressure that judges me based on another’s standard makes me not do it.
One of God’s characteristics that I admire is His willingness to work with us. “Come now let us reason together, says the Lord.” When He told Abraham about the coming destruction of Sodom He actually negotiated about saving the city. When He made us He gave us the power of choice. Yes, there are negative results if we disobey. However, the negative results are the fruit of the action and not His kicking us if we don’t heed Him. When Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments” He is telling us that we will break His heart when He has to watch us reap the fruit of our foolishness. When a child follows a path of destruction they are not only hurting themselves but a host of others who love them, especially mom and dad.
Some parents foolishly say, “My way or the highway.” Our heavenly Father says, “My way is the smart way. But if you insist by bristling just remember I will always be here to help you pick up the pieces.” We just missed out on some good things had we obeyed.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 28, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org