As a parent I sometimes struggle with knowing when to let my kids become themselves completely and when to reign them in, letting them know they are way too far off course from the standards to which I hold them. I mean, it's not about breaking rules or being honest, kind, or truthful. But rather, choices they make, friends they choose, values they decide which should be worthy of their time and investment. And when this mixture runs contrary to what burns deep within myself I have to remember that I too had a chance to become a young adult and find my way, making mistakes, stepping on and off the path, learning in the journey of life. I share with them, (when they care to hear) those things I've learned. But somehow they can't see me as one of their contemporaries. As if I was ever as really young and as idealistic as they are now. Still, when their dad and I pay all their bills, it frustrates the system when I watch them waste good resources over bad choices. So when I read these words Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NKJV I understand them differently than I did before I was a parent. I used to see them as if I were a kid living those long summer days when we played Simon says, or follow the leader. as dear children... I used to see the child's perspective. Follow the leader. You had to do EXACTLY what the leader did or you were "out." But usually, whoever was leading would try to trick those following. Because they didn't want to stop being the leader. So we just had to keep imitating even when we knew it wasn't really a fair game. But everyone wanted a chance to be "IT," so YOU could call out the commands and make everyone else do what YOU said. But that's not the child-like way God desires... it's just childish. We actually are supposed to follow the leader in life. Except it's not a game. God is the Leader and we, His children. But He's not out to trick us. He's not looking to give us some command which we are not capable to do. Nor is He waiting to catch us doing it wrong... acutally He created us with gifts and talents for a purpose and He's trying to teach us to follow Him, to imitate Him, so we can learn how to use them. But here we are, often misunderstanding and wanting to be the leader ourself. We don't want to "take orders," or do life someone else's way. Even though Paul's advice should be strongly considered. Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1 Follow the Leader, Do as I do... says God, and it will go well with you. And He calls us as dear children. Which translated means... beloved or, dearly and divinely loved. And if we will take to heart that we are truly children, lacking grand perspective in comparison with His wisdom... then we might be more willing to lean into His understanding, to rely on Him a bit more, as He has a higher and better perspective. After all, He is not bounded by time. He knows our future before we even step into it. We as children can depend on Him, just as our children depend on us. And that's when my thoughts toward this advice changed... when I had children, when I realized a fraction of how God must feel as a Father, as a parent. How would we feel, if as we provide for our children, they continually walk away, not acknowledging we even exist; even though we sustain them, keep them clothed, fed, and sometimes so much as provide them a car to drive. But they walk past us to the bedroom in the house we pay for, without even so much as a glance or a nod. And then, they behave however they please... not even considering, nor acting as we have taught them; with polite manners and kind actions. What? We want them to be chidren... respectful and honoring of us, dependant and relying on us because we love and provide for them. Could that possibly be a peek into how God feels about us? This is not advice given to cause us frustration and humility without a purpose. This is from a Father to His divinely and dearly loved children, Who desires to be close to them because they appreciate Him and know He has what is best for them on His mind. Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2 Word of God train me today... To know and acknowledge Your divine love for me; to lean on and trust in You. To imitate Your love for me, walking in love, humbly putting others before myself.
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January 2019
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