Monday, May 2, 2011

I DON'T WANT TO OBEY YOU!






Lydia (age 6) to Hailey (age 3):
Lydia: Hailey, aren't you supposed to eat that string cheese at the table?


Hailey: No...


Lydia: Don't you want to obey Mama and Pa?


Hailey: Ya, but I don't want to obey you!


 

When I heard the above interaction, it struck me a little funny. And then I thought, "That is typical though, isn't it?" It's often the same way in the big church.
 
Here Lydia was faithfully reminding Hailey of the rule that she is required to eat at the table and Hailey was rebelling against it- saying that she wanted to obey me... but not Lydia.

Of course, taking Lydia's counsel would be obeying me. It was my rule after all.

Do you think believers are receptive when people approach them with God's Word and remind them of the commands of God? Have you ever tried to correct someone privately and been attacked for it?

I think over time we learn to shy away from correcting those in sin because we fear their response. But in obedience we are to correct- and leave the repentance up to God.




The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged.

With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

And they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.


2 Timothy 2:24-25



Preach the world; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.


2 Timothy 4:2



Did you see these brave sisters addressing the issue of modesty in a recent film being marketed to Christians? It's a good read.
Blessings!

6 comments:

  1. Hi Rebecca--
    Kids give us great snapshots of grownup sin, don't they?
    I enjoy your pictures so much. Not sure if it's your photographic skills or just beautiful children! :)
    Thanks for encouraging us in the Word.

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  2. "I think over time we learn to shy away from correcting those in sin because we fear their response." -

    This is something I have been guilty of and have been working to overcome.

    Proverbs 29:25
    "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe."

    I would rather loose a "friend" in obedience to God than to disobey because I am afraid to stand for what is right.

    Good writing sis!
    Lizzie

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  3. April- they really do! Thanks so much.


    Lizzie- As we've talked about before we ALL have blind spots. How lovely when the Bride of Christ functions in a healthy way and helps one another to see things that may hinder others or our testimony in Christ. Love you!

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  4. Paul Washer:

    'In America we have become so thin skinned that no one can rebuke us. No one can tell us we are wrong... what you need to realize is the person who loves you the most will tell you the most truth. One of the greatest distinguishing marks of a false prophet is he will tell you what you want to hear. He will never rain on your parade.'

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  5. Just wanted to pop over and say Happy Mother's Day! Hope you have a wonderful day :)
    Gabi

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  6. Thanks Gabi! Happy Mother's Day to you too! :)

    ReplyDelete