What if I don't finish my homework?
What if I get sent to the principal's office?
What if I get into a fight? (Can't even imagine where that came from...)
What will happen if I get caught chewing gum?
I sat there thinking... why would she even think like that?? It was as if she were trying to see at what point they would draw the line. I explained to her that if she did what was right... she wouldn't even have to worry about the answers to those questions. Then I realized...
Sometimes I do that with God. It seems that I try to see at what point He will draw the line. I teeter on the very edge of obedience... maybe doing what is required, but with the wrong motive. Sometimes I even step over the line... just a little... with an attitude or a comment, and sometimes I just barrel over the line knowing that I am not doing what I should do, or even worse... doing something that I know that I shouldn't.
A line in the sand. This is right... and that is wrong.
Why would I do that? Am I trying to see at what point He will draw the line??
Deuteronomy 6:18 Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers, thrusting out all your enemies before you.
By choosing to do right... it puts us in the position to take over the good that the Lord has planned for us. Why would we choose anything else??
Now, I don't really think that my daughter was trying to see how far she could push... I really believe that she is fearful of the unknown. I think that she is trying to avoid the consequences of wrong actions.
But... it makes me wonder, How does God see my actions?? I don't want to be a "line pusher"... or a "chronic over the liner". I want to be obedient for the right reasons. God has loved me with an everlasting love. He is the lover of my soul. He is for me. He is faithful. He made a cross to bridge the gap between me and Him. If that is not enough to cause me to want to do right... then what is?? And there I stand... at the line... wanting to do right.
1Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared in give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
13 comments:
I'm sure the principal was stunned by her questions.
Chewing gum?
Considering the plight of the public domain, he was probably most refreshed by her innoncence. How wonderful for him to take the time to sit and answer her questions...calming her fears. I will be praying for you all as you make the switch.
Our lives were made for boundaries...not in the realm of legalism, but rather for the freedom that comes out of a love and obedience for a Father's plan.
He never tires of our questions. In fact, he has all the time in the world for them.
How far can I go with this one, Lord?
His Spirit will always answer...sometimes with a nudge. Sometimes with a sledgehammer! God give me the wisdom to hear you when you speak.
peace~elaine
Great thoughts, Lynn. I feel like I've been doing exactly what your daughter's asking. I don't want to be pushing any limits either! I loved your advice to her... fits perfect for us too... :)
Of ALL the questions to ask! I'm with Elaine on this one. . . pure innocence.
I am excited for you, and your girls. Remember, God's NO to your request, is just a YES to something bigger and better. I can't wait to see what He is doing, it's gotta be something grand.
Lynn, Thanks for stopping by. Oh, I think if we lived near each other we would become friends. :-) I've been married 23 years, have four children, homeschool, and am considering PS for the fall due to circumstances.... and I love Beth Moore Bible studies! I was just listening to her Roman's series online. She mentioned that Job never knew what God was up to. The only thing he found out is that God is HUGE and He knows what He's doing. Then she said something that just gave me goosebumps: "What if, what is going on in your life right now, is God showing his faith in you?? What if He's already said of you, 'She will show herself faithful in this.'"
What if?
I'm so the difficulties are increasing. May God bless you and provide for your family's every need. May God move His people to encourage you and assist you and function in the way the church was meant to function.
Kelly
Good post...my son had me up all night last night and this morning my "attitude" was less than "right". Your post along with Beth Moore's about the Chapman family has called me out of my "nasty" attitude. Thanks for the conviction and encouragment. Have a blessed week.
Can I just, like, pop over for Bible study some Tuesday night? I so wish I had something going right now...
May God give you a blast in his word this coming Tuesday. Have I told you how much I love this particular study you're doing? Yes, I think I did...a thousand times.
peace~elaine
It is so hard stepping into the unknown (especially when you are in 8th grade). Her fears are causing her to question and her questions are causing her fear.......we are all that way at times. I will pray for your family. My son goes to public school and it has been wonderful so far. We live in a small town - the school is only 200 kids - everyone knows everyone else. Good environment. Every morning on the way to school after our prayers, we talk about missionaries and how we are on the mission field right here in our own town. The Bible tells us to go into all the world, but until we can go to all the world, we will preach the Gospel to our neighbors and our friends right here at home. I think that thought has helped me be okay with sending him to Public School (not that sending your kids to PS is a sin, but as a mom it is hard to see them deal with the pressures of today).
Hi Lynn, I'm starting to HS my 2 girls in the Fall. They have been in public/private schools for years. Oldest will be going into 5th and my middle daughter is going into 3rd. However, we are going to go year by year and see what God wants. I don't know if you will get much support on sending your children back to public school, but just know that you are in God's will and I understand your dilemma. Kellie :)
So appropriate for me..after teaching third and fourth grades for YEARS and being out of the teaching loop while raising my toddlers, it seems the Lord is asking me to try K-5. I almost drew that line in the sand....but we are going forward and saying yes and I'm just waiting to see what all this brings..being in HIS will is better that following my fickle heart.
Good good post!!!
Hello! Visiting from Elaine's blog. I could not agree more about walking the line...pushing limits with God. Great thoughts to ponder. Please tell me more about "Broken Hearts, Broken Ties" you mentioned in Elaine's entry.
Thank you!!
In His Graces~Pamela
Your comments on my blog made me laugh out loud! : ) Thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself! I love this post - I'm standing at the line with you, wanting to do right too.
Wow Lynn, did this strike a chord with me! I so related to your comments about the parallel between your daughter and your faith walk. Been there, friend.
I'll be praying for your girls. Your obedience despite your personal reservations is a blessing to me.
Great, very thought provoking post...
Blessings,
Tracy
What a great illustration!
I will be praying for your girls as they head off to public school! (And for you!!)
I have the privilage of homeschooling my young boys (5 and almost 8). I feel your pain, but I can also attest to the fact that when God calls us, He strengthens us! I pray He will strengthen you and your girls to be mighty warriors and light before a dying world!
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