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SOMETIMES IT’S HARD to sell people on the value of integrity…
From all outward appearances, it doesn’t “pay” to be honest.
There were certainly times in the life of Joseph when he must have been tempted to say, “What good has it ever done to me to walk the straight path?” Here was a young man who remained committed to integrity no matter what the cost. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he was eventually falsely accused and thrown into a dungeon before finally being vindicated by the Lord.
When Joseph ran from the crude seduction of Potiphar’s wife, he wasn’t just running from a woman. He was running from anything that would abort God’s purposes in his life.
Do you remember what he told that adulteress (probably again and again)? “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9).
He chose God’s way. He chose to see God’s purposes fulfilled in his life rather than fulfilling a passing fleshly fancy. He feared losing God’s blessing upon his life. That’s why he didn’t walk or stroll out of that woman’s presence, he RAN.
THOUGHT: Integrity says, what I am in public, I am also in private. Integrity is what you do when you’re alone, and no one’s eye is upon you but the Lord’s. (Ron Mehl)
“Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you” (Proverbs 2:11).
People just amaze me sometimes, and that is not always a good thing. In a recent article I read, people gathered around the Grand Hyatt at Washington D.C to protest, get this, the spelling bee! Now, people will gather and protest many controversial topics, but the spelling bee? The people who were there represented the American Literacy Council and the London-based Spelling Society. Their agenda? To simplify the way we spell words. The protestors had signs that read messages like this, “Enuf is enuf; enough is too much.”
Ok, now I know the English language is not the simplest language. It has strange spelling and breaks nearly every rule it has, but is this really something worth protesting? We have terrible actions such as homosexuality and abortion, we are living in a culture that elevates impurity and sinful living, and yet they are protesting about the spelling of words? What a terrible waste of time and energy.
As I read this article, I was reminded of people who are contentious and argumentative about pointless things. Titus 3:9 says, “But avoid foolish controversies…for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Now, I am not talking about things where the Lord has specified and given commands about. Any command we see in the Bible is something we should stand firm and be unmovable with.
However, let’s be careful about the things we are arguing and protesting about that are not biblical commands. Are they really worth our time or would our time be better spent elsewhere? Too many times we get caught up with the pet peeves and minor details and we forget the main focus of this life and in the church (Matthew 6:33). Is our opinion really important enough to cause disunity in the church and possibly turn someone away from the Lord? Too many churches have been split and people have been driven away from the Lord due to foolish controversies. While we all have our own opinions and ways we like to do things, is it really so bad if someone does it a bit differently? Let’s strive to be people who always encourage peace when it is about insignificant things (Romans 12:18) but firm on the commands from the Bible.
Paul Harvey asked the question of how so many out of state homeless people were able to get to Hawaii. Joel John Roberts, who writes a homeless blog for the city of Los Angeles, California, suggests that local communities are paying the plane tickets for the homeless to go to Hawaii. The rationale is that it is harder for the homeless to make their way back to the mainland. At least one state representative is pleading with the state of Hawaii to pay $100,000 to return these homeless people back to their original communities. Rida Cabanilla, who is Hawaii’s chairwoman of the Housing Committee, points to a University of Hawaii study that reveals nearly 1,000 people or 19 percent of the homeless population of Hawaii have been there less than a year. Nearly half the homeless population did not live in Hawaii ten years ago. The Hawaii homeless are not a “one size fits all” community. A good number of these folks were sold on the imagery of Hawaii as a place to sit and sip drinks on the beach. Reality has been harsh for these folks. Some had no idea it would be so expensive and could not afford to elevated prices of the island state. Some are content to visit the soup kitchens and live in a tent. Some mention various hardships that have left them with no choice but to remain. But, Cabanilla and others would love for all of them to go back home. A couple of things stand out to me. First, how many people have pursued “paradise” only to find out that reality was much different from what they dreamed it would be? Others are content to live in squalor and cling to “paradise” because they think it does not get any better. People are deceived by sin, even calling good “evil” and evil “good” (cf. Isa. 5:20). Second, there are a good many people out there who it seems nobody wants. Nobody wants to pay them attention or wants to have to deal with them. Yet, God loves them and paid the highest price to redeem them, too. What should our attitude as Christians be toward them? Finally, there is a sense in which Christians are not at home in this world. On occasion, we may feel as though we are undesirable to the worldly mind and the present culture. It is good for us to remember that we are pilgrims and strangers on this earth (cf. 1 Pet. 2:11). We will not be at home until we reach that “long home,” that “home of the soul.” One thing is for sure. Nobody should feel “homeless” in God’s family. Paul calls the church “the household of God” (1 Tim. 3:15). There is a place for everybody in this spiritual home on earth. May we each take our place there.
If you listen enough to radio, and especially talk radio, one of the most frequently advertized services is from a company called “Life Lock.” Not only do they “guarantee” to protect your identity, they back that guarantee with more than $1 million in promised financial aid should your identity be stolen. In 1997 consumers and institutions lost an estimated $745 million to identity theft. It is estimated that loss now to be more than $1.5 billion annually and growing. Identity theft occurs when a person’s social security number, credit card number, phone number, etc., is discovered by a thief who then uses that information for personal gain. Since the late 1970’s paper shredders have become increasingly popular, and no doubt our technological age will continue to provide such services as that offered by Life Lock.
While identity theft is no small inconvenience, it pales in comparison to the wide spread theft that Satan inflicts upon the masses every single day. He has been busy for well nigh unto six millennium drawing men away from their Creator and inflicting immeasurable harm on men and women both here, and eventually in eternity. He robs men of happiness and peace, hope and contentment. Worst, he has robbed every single soul of his spiritual identity, separating the innocent and unsuspecting from their walk with God (Isa. 59:1-2).
There is a safe guard against the effects of Satan’s thievery. No, we cannot prevent his entering into our life, but we can recover our losses and restore what we once enjoyed. The restoration process is so perfect, so complete, and so very simple that it astounds us that more men and women do not take advantage of it. When one hears the gospel (Rom. 10:17), believes in his heart that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), and is willing to confess that fact as did Peter (Matt. 16:16-18), he but needs only to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). He is then born of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5) and thereby becomes a part of the family of God. His “identity” is restored, and he enjoys the fellowship with the Father and Son that the devil stole by deceit and subtlety. A faithful walk in the light will eventually see him to the eternal home promised for all the redeemed (Rev. 2:10; 1 John 1:6-8). That, my dear friends, is the ultimate “Life Lock.”
IT’S IMPORTANT TO be careful where you place your trust…
Some barbers say “trust me” as half of your eyebrow falls into your lap.
Some dentists say “trust me” as they drill down deeper than Exxon.
Some postal workers say “trust me,” stamp your package “Fragile,” and then drop-kick it into the parcel bin.
Some manicurists say “trust me,” as they push your cuticles back to your elbow.
Some mechanics say “trust me,” then make your engine purr like a kitten…with strep throat.
Some friends say “trust me” as they borrow your favorite shirt, accidentally wash it in hot water, then hand you back a swatch.
A lot of people say “trust me,” but don’t quite earn your trust. They fall short of their promises, and leave you wishing you hadn’t placed your faith in them in the first place.
THOUGHT: Aren’t you glad, though, that when God says “trust Me,” you can? (Martha Bolton)
–Mike Benson
“He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” ( Prov. 30:5b KJV).
Have you ever eaten expensive ice cream? If so, it probably was not nearly as good as the “golden opulence sundae.”
The golden opulence sundae is a desert from a New York eatery—a dessert covered in 23-carat edible gold leaf. Tahitian vanilla ice cream is mixed with Madagascar vanilla beans and chunks of rare Chuao chocolate from Venezuela. The cost for this average sized treat is one thousand dollars.
The next time you enjoy a sundae with Hershey’s chocolate syrup and a maraschino cherry, someone else may be enjoying a “golden opulence sundae” with the world’s most expensive chocolates, gold-covered almonds, and Grande Passion caviar. Of course, the 18-carat gold spoon used to eat this treat is not a keepsake, but the Baccarat crystal goblet that holds it is.
Some people enjoy the very best of life. They have the best food, the most luxurious clothing, and mansions for houses. Jesus once spoke of a “certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day” (Lk. 16:19). Although this man seemed to “have it all,” Jesus said his great banquets and fine clothing were only temporary and ultimately offered no comfort to him. Notice these additional points from Lk. 16:22-25:
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.”
Most will never taste or see a golden opulence sundae, but all can be “content with what they have” (Heb. 13:5). Accountable people can also live in such a way where they will receive an eternal inheritance that surpasses the most luxurious life on earth (1 Pet. 1:4).
In a frontier settlement out west, the people were engaged in the lumbering business. The town wanted a church so they built a building and called in a minister. The preacher was well received, and everybody “liked” him. Then one day he visited the lumbering operation down at the river. He noticed some of the members pulling logs out of the river that had been floating down from another company upstream. Each log was marked with the owner’s mark. The members would saw the end off the log and put their own mark on it, and push it back into the river to float down to the mill. This greatly disturbed the preacher.
The next Sunday he prepared a forceful sermon on the “Golden Rule.” At the close of the services, his people lined up and congratulated him: “Wonderful message! Mighty fine preaching! I really enjoyed your sermon!”
However, as the preacher watched the river that week, he saw the members continuing to steal logs. This bothered him even more. The following Sunday, he preached another forceful sermon on the subject: “Thou Shalt Not Steal!” Again, as the members filed out of the church building, they shook his hand and congratulated him on the wonderful, powerful message.
Thinking he finally got his message across, the preacher again went to the river, but to his dismay, the members were still pulling logs out of the river, cutting the ends off of them, and replacing the other company’s mark with their mark.
The following Sunday, he got into the pulpit and preached: “Thou Shalt Not Cut the Ends Off Thy Neighbor’s Logs!” Immediately after the sermon, the church ran him out of town.
The apostle Paul said the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine, but would heap to themselves teachers who would preach only what they wanted to hear (2Timothy 4:2-4). People would continue to be religious and go to church, but they would not endure the Truth. That’s sad, because only the truth can set us free (John 8:32).
Paul said the time would come, and that time is here. How many sermons have you heard lately on Sin, Repentance, and Hell? It seems most sermons today embrace the “Easy Believism,” “Feel Good,” religion of “Prosperity.” Pulpits have conditioned their audiences that God’s main goal for their life is to make them “happy.” Therefore, whatever makes them happy, or feel good, must be a Godsend, even if it involves drugs, alcohol, or adultery. One lady said, “This man makes me happy, and since God wants me to be happy, I believe He wants me to divorce my husband and marry him!” Worship is being arranged around whatever entertains the audience and makes them feel good with little, if any, emphasis on the Way that even Jesus called “straight and narrow” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Many have ears to hear, but cannot hear (Mark 8:18). They sit in a church building year after year judging the preacher’s performance. They will tolerate all kinds of sins being condemned except their own. Many preachers are bowing to the pressure to “tickle the ears of their hearers” and are therefore preaching a powerless gospel.
The main work of Satan is to deceive (Rev. 12:9; 2Corinthians 11:13-15). Have you ever wondered how he is doing that? It is by taking our emphasis off the only thing that can set us free, i.e. the Truth, which is the Word of God (John 17:17).
“Chilling” is a word that comes to mind in reading the article published in the “New York Times” on June 11, 2010.
Entitled “Merely Human? That’s So Yesterday,” the article describes a conference held recently in California where forty people paid $15,000.00 each to attend a course sponsored by Singularity University.
“Singularity” is the key word. Those behind this movement have one goal in mind: the merging of humans and machines. Supported generously by the co-founders of Google, the aim is to blend the intelligence of humans with the durability of machines.
Yes, eternal life is in their sights.
Ashlee Vance, author of the article, states the vision of Singularity University:
”…human beings and machines will so effortlessly and elegantly merge that poor health, the ravages of old age and even death itself will all be things of the past.”
Raymond Kurzweil, an outspoken proponent of the University, boasts that he will be able to live for hundreds of years. He will also be able to resurrect the dead, including his own father. He’s helping to produce a movie to be released later this year: “The Singularity Is Near: A True Story About The Future.”
If you wonder whether anyone of intelligence buys into these ideas, Vance notes that hundreds of students worldwide apply for one of the 80 spots in a 10-week graduate course. Those chosen will pay $25,000.00 each to attend.
Long ago, people banded together on an ambitious project: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves…” (Genesis 11:4, NKJV).
We’re not given all the details behind that project, but God clearly did not approve. To thwart their efforts he imposed different languages. No longer able to communicate, the project was abandoned.
We’re not predicting that Singularity University will be disrupted by Divine intervention. But the ambitions behind it appear to be similar to those in Babel. Man has often attempted to “make a name” for himself, only to see his efforts crash and burn.
The sons of Korah sang a message in Psalm 46, that needs to be heard today: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).
Hundreds of years later the apostle Paul addressed a group of intellectuals who worshiped every deity but the true God. He reminded them that “they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).
Eternal life is already within our grasp (Romans 6:23). Merging people with machines will prove to be futile. Merging people with the will of God is the key.
It is perhaps the most dangerous thought we can entertain. It SEEMS right. It MUST be right. In fact, it HAS to be right.
Webster calls it an “assumption.” “A fact or statement taken for granted.” Note the key phrase in that definition, “taken for granted.”
An assumption is neither truth nor reality; is not fact. An assumption is merely personal conjecture. It is an unsubstantiated belief or idea based often times upon the circumstances in my own life.
• David assumed a soldier who had been away from his wife would immediately return to her tender affections. The king couldn’t control his sexual appetite (2 Samuel 11:2-4), and so he figured Uriah couldn’t either (vv. 6-9).
• Sarah assumed couples well in to their retirement years couldn’t have children (Genesis 18:10-15). She figured that because she had lived past the years of childbearing, any idea about a future “seed” (Genesis 22:17-18), simply wasn’t possible.
• Isaac assumed his wife and younger son would be honest and forthright (Genesis 27). The Patriarch had previously engaged in deception himself (ch. 26), but he didn’t think that other members of his family would follow his example.
• Herod assumed an infant referred to as “King of the Jews” might attempt to usurp his power (Matthew 2:1-8). His insecurity led to the murder of many innocent children (v. 16).
• The Jews assumed the Messiah would overthrow Roman tyranny and oppression. Their prejudices and false interpretations (Acts 1:6) blinded them to the possibility of a spiritual Deliverer.
A lot of folks experience conflict because they often entertain false assumptions. They fuss, disagree and divide because they’ve made certain unconfirmed “mental jumps” about people, ideas, or actions.
When someone walks by us without saying hello, we assume that they must be upset or angry at us. “What have I done wrong?” “It must be something I said…” Could it be, in reality, that our friend has something heavy on his or her heart, and is so engrossed in thought that they simply don’t see us? Are there other possibilities?
When someone starts yawning during a sermon or lesson, we assume that it must be because we’re doing a poor job in terms of delivery and that our message is boring. Could it be, in reality, that a student didn’t sleep well the previous night and is simply tired? Maybe they had a sick child to take care of during the time most folks sleep.
When a spouse doesn’t exhibit typical affection (1 Corinthians 7:2-5) towards his or her mate, we assume it must be because the love and desire is absent from the marriage. Could there be other reasons as to why physical intimacy is not being initiated? What about fatigue? What about stress at work? What about sickness? What about financial burdens that are affecting the family? Could there be other mitigating factors?
When an elder of the congregation doesn’t call us when we’re sick at home, we assume it must be because he doesn’t care about us. It is possible that they haven’t called us because they simply don’t know we are ill (James 5:14)?
Many times we not only assume, but we assume the worst, about a person or situation. The consequences of that kind of thinking can be harmful and costly.
Jesus was the only man who could read minds (John 2:24- 25; cf. Matthew 9:4; 12:25; Lk. 5:22; 6:8; 11:17). He knew exactly what others were thinking. You and I don’t have that luxury; we’re not God (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:23). Deity can see through our façade and ascertain our true motives.
The only way we can know what other people are thinking is if they tell us. “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him…?” (1 Corinthians 2:11a).
Are you disappointed by somebody’s action or inaction? Have you assumed the worst? Wouldn’t it be better to find out for sure? Go. Ask (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Communicate. The truth will make you free.
The official name for the 62-foot-high statue was “King of Kings”. Folks who passed by the Solid Rock Church on I-75, just north of Cincinnati, had an irreverent label for it: “Touchdown Jesus”. The original thought was for Jesus to be appealing to His Father in heaven for help. Others saw the outstretched arms as reaching for a pass headed His way.
All had the same view of this religious statue on the night of June 14, 2010. Lightning struck the image, setting it ablaze. The loss was total, calculated at $300,000 for the statue and another $400,000 for the amphitheater built around it. Church leaders vow to rebuild.
The story, of course, has the nation atwitter. It seems every major news outlet has carried some version of the story, and Twitter has been churning out comments like these: “Score one for Darwinists, who must be having a giggle”; “I am still cracking up about Touchdown Jesus being destroyed by an … act of god”; “God Votes with Lightning and Touchdown Jesus Burns”; and – you had to expect this one – “Holy Smoke!”
There does seem to be a touch of irony in this news story. It is not uncommon for people to destroy religious icons. A recent example occurred in 2001 when members of the Taliban dynamited two monumental Buddhas that had been carved into the sandstone cliffs of Afghanistan in the 6th century. The destruction of the “King of Kings” statue, however, was a natural act. Many do indeed view the incident as an act of God.
Whether or not God sent the lightning to destroy this statue is not our question. We do see, however, warnings in the Bible against placing trust in visible objects instead of in God.
The second of the ten commandments was clear: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Exodus 20:4). Even while God was giving this command to Moses on Mt. Sinai the people of Israel were fashioning a gold calf to worship (Genesis 32). God was outraged, and always has been when people venerate physical objects.
Instead of spending precious resources on material icons, wouldn’t it be wiser to focus on faith – that which can’t be seen with our eyes? Paul obviously thought so: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). The New Testament never encouraged anyone to fashion images to lead people to God. It does urge us to develop our faith through the revelation God has given us (Romans 10:17).
Gazing upon religious relics pleases many. But what will please God – the One we really need to please? “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Since faith comes by hearing God’s word, pleasing God means doing the things God has commanded. Nothing more, nothing less.
I don’t regard the news of a statue being destroyed by lightning as funny. But perhaps this is an opportunity to reflect on what the Lord really expects of us.
Theological liberalism denies the basic tenets of Christianity-the inspiration of scripture, Bible miracles, the deity of Christ, and important attributes of Christ such as His virgin birth. They must deny explicit statements found in that Word which they do not highly regard. This includes statements made by the Holy Spirit through Matthew in Matthew 1:18-25. According to these verses, here are some crucial elements a part of Christ’s virgin birth.
(1) Mary became pregnant with Christ before she and Joseph “came together” (18). In Luke’s account, this point is stressed repeatedly. Joseph was engaged to a virgin named Mary (1:27). When told that she was expecting by an angel, she queried, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (1:34). Mary was a sexually pure woman, one who had not yet had relations with a man-even in the rightful bonds of marriage.
(2) Mary’s pregnancy was “of the Holy Spirit” (18,20). “She was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” Joseph is told by an angel of the Lord, “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (20). No human father was involved in the process. Through this means, Mary brought into this world one who was totally both human and divine. This made Him the perfect sacrifice, one fully possessed of the nature of God and of man.
(3) This unique pregnancy was in fulfillment of prophesy (22-23). Sound oddly debate whether or not Isaiah 7:14 is a Messianic prophesy. While some men say “no,” the Holy Spirit emphatically says “yes.” Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah 7:14 and applies it to Christ. Because it was prophesied that the “God-man” (Immanuel) would come through the virgin birth, it had to be fulfilled (cf. Luke 24:44).
(4) The one born of a virgin had to have the right name and nature. He was to be named “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (21). His name was also to be called “Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’” (23). The virgin would bring the Savior into the world.
(5) Joseph “did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son” (25). After the birth of Christ, the married Joseph and Mary obviously did enjoy the physical benefits of marriage. They had at least four sons (Matt. 13:55) and an unspecified number of daughters (Mark 6:3). Sadly, our friends in Catholicism, because they believe all humanity inherits Adam’s sin and are perplexed with how to have a depraved woman bear the person Son of God, have come up with the false doctrines of “immaculate conception” and “perpetual virginity.” The Immaculate Conception doctrine says that God made her free from “original sin,” an idea wholly unnecessary because no one inherits Adam’s sin (cf. Ezek. 18:20). The concept of her “perpetual virginity,” which they defend by going to great lengths to deny the natural assumptions that Jesus’ brothers and sisters would belong to Mary and Joseph, is often cited as the reason why their priests and nuns cannot marry (cf. 1 Tim. 4:3). While those ideas are without biblical foundation, the virgin birth is true and indispensable to Christ’s saving work at Calvary. It may be difficult to fully comprehend, but it is part of God’s salvation plan. — Neal Pollard
The native Americans asked their Chief in autumn if the winter was going to be cold or not.
Not really knowing an answer, the chief replied that the winter was going to be cold and that the members of the village were to collect wood to be prepared.
Being a good and wise leader, he then went to the nearest phone booth and called the National Weather Service and asked, “Is this winter to be cold?”
The man on the phone responded, “This winter is going to be quite cold indeed.”
So the Chief went back to speed up his people to collect even more wood to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again, “Is it going to be a very cold winter?”
“Yes,” the man replied, “it’s going to be a very cold winter.” So the Chief went back to his people and ordered them to go and find every scrap of wood they could find.
Two weeks later he called the National Weather Service again “Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?”
“Absolutely,” the man replies, “the native Americans are collecting wood like crazy!”
Sometimes the one whom we regard as a “source of authority” isn’t such an authority after all. That can have some serious consequences in life, but in the spiritual realm the consequences can be downright deadly. If I rely on the “expertise” of someone who doesn’t know, but who is relying on the “expertise” of someone else who doesn’t know, then my spiritual training has no real foundation in truth.
Jesus prayed to his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17-18).
Therein lies the only basis for understanding that which is true. Where are you going for spiritual advice?
Is it really all that important as to how a person interprets the Scriptures?
Consider a few questions to stimulate your thinking. Is it really all that important, for example, as to how a pharmacist interprets a prescription? What could be the result of an incorrect hermeneutic in this realm? Would you trust your life and health to a druggist who said, “Interpretation isn’t all that important”?
In Luke 10:25, 26 we find, “And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your READING of it?’”(emphasis mine — mb). When Jesus asked, “What is your reading of it?” , He was concerned with the lawyer’s interpretation.
Yes, it is very important as to how a person interprets the Word of God. His life (2 Peter 1:3), his worship (John 4:24), and his salvation (Romans 1:16) are dependent upon such (Ezra 7:10).
”Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3). No gift or asset exceeds their value, the value of children! And, no, they do not always drink their drinks “spill-free,” make 100s on their tests, make us proud by their conduct, or get along with others just so. Yet, who would really trade them in?
Parents must be a present force for good in their children’s lives! They must seriously and joyfully undertake the privilege parenting presents. Adults should regularly have a physical to ascertain their fitness. In the same way, parents should have a regular spiritual to ascertain their fitness as parents.
Upon examination, some parents find their:
HEAD in the clouds! Some children could never be guilty of any wrongdoing under any circumstances. The teachers and others children with whom the child has problems are always to blame. Really?!
MIND in the gutter. Where will many children view their first pornography or nudity on the screen? Yes, in the home. Mom? Dad? Are we guarding our lips (Titus 2:8) and hearts (Proverbs 4:23)?
NOSE to the grindstone! Sixty-hour workweeks, ten hours in commute, forty-two hours for sleep, and parents have left, at most, eight hours per day for their children. If one bathes and dresses for work, chews his meals with care, buys groceries, pays bills, and watches the average daily dose of TV, how much time do the kids get?
Down in the MOUTH! It is true, children imitate the behavior modeled before them. In an age of grumbling and complaining, parents must teach by example that such is not the way God wants to act (cf. Acts 2:14).
EYES on the prize! Spiritual focus is vital for successful parenting to occur (2 Corinthians 5:7). When parents emphasize Christ above all, emulate Christ rather than any other, and esteem heaven rather than earth, children being to see things more clearly, too.
The Great Physician says it all (parents should pay extra special attention) when he says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). Parents, let’s always work on “shaping up” for our children’s sakes!
