What blessed lunch I had yesterday! Michelle Pilaczynski (Mason, 3), Sara Robinson (Zach, 5) and I (Alex 5) went to “Burber King” (that’s how Alex pronounces it) to eat and allow our boys some time to play. Throughout the meal we exchanged stories about our boys – some funny, others a little more serious. We enjoyed watching them play on the indoor playground, listening to the “little boy” conversations they shared. In their endeavor to keep us involved in their play they would periodically call out for us or come back to the table to share a thrilling experience. While sitting at the table our chat seemed to always come back to our children. But it wasn’t just idle chat; the three of us have an honest desire to have our children know, love and follow Jesus ~ completely. So how do we do that? How do we motivate our children (and ourselves) to know, love and follow Christ? Let’s look to the scripture for some guidance. ~ Joshua 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you: to love the Lord your God and to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and to cling to and unite with Him and to serve Him with all your heart and soul [your very life]. (Amplified Bible) “Take diligent heed”…”only be very careful”…”take careful heed”… In other words: · Take diligent heed – meticulous regard… · Very careful – incredibly, exceptionally, especially careful… · Careful heed – carefully take note of… Do you think Joshua wanted the children of Israel to take what he had to say seriously? The language he chose clearly drove home that point home. Ø Take diligent heed…to love the Lord your God. The type of love Joshua speaks of is not the puppy bat your eyes kind of love. He is talking about a committed love – a dedicated, loyal, devoted, unswerving, faithful love. A love not swayed by “feeling”, but is unshakable, solid and constant. It doesn’t have the attitude of “what’s in it for me?” but instead asks “what can I do for you?” Although you have emotional times, this love is committed all the time. Ø Be exceptionally careful…to walk in His ways. What are “His ways”? It is having a… v Love that is unconditional, unwavering and steadfast v Joy where you are glad/happy regardless of your circumstances v Peace causing you to be calm, tranquil and serene v Patient presence which means you are even tempered and demonstrate endurance v Kind spirit which means you are gentle, kindhearted, compassionate and sympathetic v Goodness about you which causes you to want the best for others v Faithfulness where you stick around not bailing when things become difficult v Gentleness demonstrated by your meekness and humility v Self-control which is your strength of mind and will, willpower and self-discipline Ø Take careful note of His commandments and follow them I am sure you immediately think of the “Big 10” we find in Exodus when you hear the word “commandment”. In addition to those, Jesus gives us further instruction in the New Testament. Here are a few… “You know that our ancestors were told, "Do not murder" and "A murderer must be brought to trial." But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.” ~ Matthew 5:21,22 (CEV) “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” ~ Matthew 5:21-20 (CEV)“But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (NKJV)
"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.´~ Matthew 5:38-42 (The Message)
Ø Be especially careful to cling to Him and serve Him with all you heart and would.
When Dan and I returned from our trip to Las Vegas and Southern California a few weeks ago we experienced the “clinging”. Believe it or not, with all the traveling we do this was only the second time both Dan and I had been away from Alex at the same time. The last time was when he was 13 months old and we actually came home a day early. He has just gone with us or one of us stayed home with him while the other travels. So when we came home, there he was. If I was doing laundry, so was he. If I was emptying the dish washer, so was he. If I was in the bathroom, he was outside the door. He now opens my car door and any door I walk through. He would grab my hand, look into my eyes and say “Mommy, I love you!” He clung to me.
In looking at our relationship with our Heavenly Father how “clingy” are we? Are we right by His side all throughout the day? Are we reminding Him of how much we love Him? Are we doing what we can for Him just like Alex opening the door for me?
Do you know Him?
How “clingy” are you?
Are you serving Him?
Are you able to stretch out your arms and say “I love you this much”? Why not, He did.
In Him,
Stefanie
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