How often have you seen children that refuse to obey their parents?
Consider the struggle against the parent by the child, and consider how the time is spent. The parents spend time disciplining and calling down the children. The children spend time in trouble or in timeout.
Now, think of all that time that could have been used for something else. Think of all the good times that could have been had. Think of all the learning experiences – museums, zoos, and other fun stuff – that could have been enjoyed more.
How often are we like undisciplined, unruly children bucking against what God wants?
Think about Paul. He was killing Christians. God confronted him.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:3-5
Paul found it hard to go against God. Okay, so we are not out-and-out persecuting Jesus like Paul, but don’t we often fight against God’s will for our lives? Don’t we sometimes move against what God is trying to do in the lives of others or in our church?
He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
Luke 11:23
Ouch. How many times have we stirred up trouble because of our own hurt feelings? That certainly does not contribute to gathering. Instead, we may scatter an entire flock in the process.
How many times have we fretted over what God let come our way? How many times have we simply refused to obey? When we do that, we may not be out-and-out persecuting Jesus, but we sure aren’t being humble under the mighty hand of God.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:5-11
Like a parent trying to train up a child, God is working on us. Somehow, we often reject what He is doing just like a stubborn child rejects what a parent is trying to do for them. When suffering comes our way, what is God trying to do? He’s trying to make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to picture yourself as a child with God as a parent. He is, after all, our Father in heaven. Ask yourself if you are an unruly child? Ask God to show you where you need to be more humble. Ask God to help you let Him take the lead and trust Him more with your life.