Did You Know?

Eve disobeyed God. Adam let her.

Jacob lied.

Moses murdered.

Saul hunted down Christians.

David had an affair.

Peter disowned Jesus.

Jonah fled from God.

Elijah ran.

And the list goes on.

Did you know that we, as Christians, are not a perfect people?  As a child, my father expected complete obedience as we were growing up.  If we were told something one time, we were expected to comply. Was I a perfect child?  Were my siblings perfect? Absolutely not!  However, the level of fear that was instilled in us, from a belt on our backsides, went a long way towards keeping us in line.  We learned the right way or else.  This day and age, our society has “trained” many of the young people to the point that there are very few if any, consequences and no fear of repercussions for their actions.  They are simply given chance after chance after chance to get it right.  It goes even further, in that many of the young people are never taught what the expectations are from the beginning.

God is our Father!  We must acknowledge that and continue accordingly.  We must strive to teach our children this fact as well.  Using the men and women of the Bible as examples for living.  Use their failures and disobedience to God as teachable moments.  When we fail or fall short of God’s expectations, he will discipline us and if we repent then He forgives us.  God does give us second chances but we MUST put forth the effort to learn from our mistakes and not continue on a path of destruction and failure.  Bring God back to the center of all that we think, say, and do. 

1Peter 1:13- 16 says,  13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."