We may call ourselves: son, daughter ...or brother, sister ...dad or mom ...and we have titles assigned to our occupation, our citizenship and where we live.
But, what about before we were alive?
I'm not talking about in the womb ...because of course we were alive upon conception in the womb. But, God conceived us even before the foundations of the earth. And though He already knew all about us, we can also say we know something about all those before even their parents enter this earthly existence.
We are all going to be a bit different, but we all will be:
- Fearfully and wonderfully made
- Free to choose
Perhaps you can think of a few more, but I am only going to give space here for those two. Fearfully usually includes respect and reverence. As a child, I was loved ...and knew it. As a dad, I love my family ...and they know it.
I not only fear what would happen if they didn't know it ...I also fear if they would reject it. Admitting something exists does not provide much benefit if it is dismissed, not valued, or rejected.
Some may say it is called 'worry' and some would take it further and say worry is a sin. I already admit I am a sinner ...and I admit I worry. I fear what will happen to my family in different circumstances.
I also feel responsible for preparing them for life. Therefore, my strictness may be misunderstood ...but, I believe that we so often frown at comparisons that we do not fancy to, as a reason to dismiss the full comparison.
That being said, I believe that an officer of the army who is leading his troops ...wants them to be battle ready. He knows what they may have to face is not pleasurable, so he is strict with them for the purpose of preparing them for those critically important situations where they may face imminent danger. Similarly, we have to face difficult situations in life and spiritual battles are fought beyond our understanding.
Now, that may seem inconsistent with those who judge me not to be like that. It is correct that I do not like the drill sergeant type of parenting and I've seen aspects of it that I'm strongly against. But, I am not against God ...and I trust Him. I am thankful He entrusts me and my wife with the children He has given us. Yes, I worry and am not as wise ...wondering what will be expected of our children to endure. I know He loves them too ...but I no more want to see them suffer than He did His own Son.
The thing is, He did allow His Son to suffer ...to allow us an opportunity not to for eternity. He does not want us to suffer, but we assuredly would if He didn't let us suffer.
That being said, I believe that an officer of the army who is leading his troops ...wants them to be battle ready. He knows what they may have to face is not pleasurable, so he is strict with them for the purpose of preparing them for those critically important situations where they may face imminent danger. Similarly, we have to face difficult situations in life and spiritual battles are fought beyond our understanding.
Now, that may seem inconsistent with those who judge me not to be like that. It is correct that I do not like the drill sergeant type of parenting and I've seen aspects of it that I'm strongly against. But, I am not against God ...and I trust Him. I am thankful He entrusts me and my wife with the children He has given us. Yes, I worry and am not as wise ...wondering what will be expected of our children to endure. I know He loves them too ...but I no more want to see them suffer than He did His own Son.
The thing is, He did allow His Son to suffer ...to allow us an opportunity not to for eternity. He does not want us to suffer, but we assuredly would if He didn't let us suffer.
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