My son has been fanatical about cars and not just any cars, but serious sports cars. That is all he talks about and that is what he likes to think about. Don' t get me wrong, he loves God, loves his Mom and his sisters most of the time, but he constantly has cars in the commentary. Which leads me to this post, because one day I had finally said to him that I was getting seriously concerned about his focus on materialism and the ways of this world. I asked him, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" His response was right on, he said, "Dad, there is nothing that is worthy losing your soul for."We then started talking about Abraham and Gideon and David and the Saints of the Bible and why there stories are so important. I, then, talked about discipleship and what that looks like in our lives (weekly, daily, hourly and so on). We talked about stewardship and responsibility and what God requires of us.
I love my boy! He wrote this on a sheet of paper:
How to live a pure and peaceful life
- Show self-control in every action
- Do no fear what isn't to be feared
- Admit your emotions. Do not be afraid to share them but be on guard with whom you share them with.
- Wrath, anger, hatred sloth, fear are not to be shown but to be admitted to if absolute
- Praise God day and night for faith in Him shall NEVER be feared
- Obey Him always.
James says to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to be angry. Paul says that if God is for us then who can be against us. Paul also says not to become angry. David was a warrior and a man with emotion and a man after God's own heart. The sinful nature is to be put to death daily. The Psalms tell us to let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Jesus, God, the Bible and its Apostles tells us to obey and submit.
I am not sure about you, but I am pretty sure that this boy is on the right track.
Dear Lord, give me the wisdom and discernment to guide this boy into a full-fledged relationship with you. Teach me to teach him to Trust in you with all his heart, mind, body and soul. Teach me to teach him not to lean on his own understanding. Teach me to teach him to acknowledge you in everything.
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness (even when I am not faithful!)
Blessings,
D