Corona Devo 3029
Although our children are practically adults now, we still deal with childish episodes now and then, and the source always seems to be pride.
The other day, one of our boys received a (less than $10) gift that the other son immediately wanted (coveted). The son that didn't receive the gift proceeded to take (steal) the gift to his room, and put it away as his own.
More than three times the "taken" gift was acknowledged publicly within family conversations, and I asked the son who took it to return it to the son to whom it belonged.
While I was at the store today, I purchased a second one (of the same gift), because had I known that it would be so sought-after, I would have originally purchased two. And (I decided) that after the thieving son had returned the gift to his brother, we would discuss the benefits of moral behavior and honoring God (and parents)...and I would give him the gift that he desired. A lesson learned, and also a blessing given, because I love my kids, and they are always learning how to navigate life.
However, when I asked the son who had taken the gift from his brother if he had (rightfully) returned it to his brother yet...he replied in a satisfied tone that he had (instead) paid his brother for the gift.
He had stolen the gift. (Let's not sugarcoat things to make ourselves feel better.)
He had not obeyed our repeated request to return the item.
He had finally decided to disobey our request and to (instead) spend his own money to pay for the item, which (he must have rationalized) would then "make things right".
What he didn't know is that (in love), I had already purchased him one of his own. I had something good in store for him, but he decided to do things his own way, and so it nullified mine.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (8) Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. (9) They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. ~Proverbs 1:7-9
This scenario is a recent one in our home, but predicaments of pride have plenty of point-places throughout each of our life-timelines.
The gift story is about our son, but I could tell you many (many) more about me. Tons of times when I couldn't see God's plan, or just plain didn't care about God's plan, because I was too focused on what I desired instead.
We want it now, instead of how God wants it.
I am afraid (and ashamed) to know of how many times I have decided to do things my own way, and (in doing so) I nullified God's (better) plan for me, or a blessing that He might have had in store.
- The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ~Jeremiah 17:9
Perhaps it is a good day to take a fresh look at our intentions and our desires. Are they of God, or are they of us?
What is the source of what we are striving for today? Is it pride?
Has God been, or is He currently prompting us to obey Him? Do we need a reminder of His Biblical definitions of moral behavior...in contrast to our self-focused excuses which center around entitlement and spiritual immaturity?
I do.
Let's not sugarcoat things to make ourselves feel better.
Have we been disobeying God and His Word in any area of our lives?
Have we rationalized our actions over Biblical truth?
Shame on us.
- In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (5) His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies. (6) He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” ~Psalm 10:4-6
- Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. ~Proverbs 16:18
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The Bible contains complete wisdom for our decisions, for our relationships, for our lives.
What we might not know is that God has much good and such(!) good in store for us. But we must decide to stop doing things our own way, or else we are nullifying God's way.
But good news and thank God: the Lord doesn't give up on us. He loves His kids, and He knows that we are always learning how to (better) navigate life with Him.
- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ~James 1:5
- My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; (22) they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. (23) Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. (24) When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. ~Proverbs 3:19-24
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What shall we say then: A lesson learned, and also a blessing given?
Yes.
The source of our issues always seems to be pride, if we dig deep enough to the base and cause and catalyst. Are we seeking to be in control, or are we allowing God to be?
The outcome is always better and more beneficial when we give God the reins. He loves us, and He has very good plans for us (the best).
- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11
But we will have to unclench our fist-of-self and release our plans and pride...in order to have an open and empty hand to receive what God has in store for us.
- The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (13) Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. (14) Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. ~Romans 13:12-14
A lesson learned, and also a blessing given.
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