“But you didn’t tell me there would be consequences. That’s not fair!” These were the words coming from our grandson as he stood at the top of the stairs yelling down at his mommy. She responded, “Son, I told you if you did that one more time that you would be punished. Go back to your room and when your time is up, you can come back down and join us.” “It’s not fair,” were the words he muttered as he headed back to his room.
I asked his mom if I could go up and talk with him, and she said I could. As I topped the stairs, I could hear the bad attitude from the hall, all sorts of muttering was going on. I approached his room and he was lying in his bed – not happy! I said, “Jake, can Mimi lie in your bed and talk to you?” He said I could, so I crawled in carefully in order not to hit my head on the bottom of the top bunk, and because my back is not what it used to be! He began to tell me why his punishment was not fair and that his mom did not inform him that there would be consequences, which there always are to bad behavior, he had just conveniently forgotten. I began to tell him stories of my bad behavior as a child, and I had plenty of stories to share! I was so very sassy and disrespectful at times as a child and teen! I told him of the time when I accidentally threw a rock through the church window and then lied when my dad asked me if I knew how it had gotten broken. Then the time I got caught running in church after my dad had told me numerous times not to run in church or I would get a spanking. Each time there were consequences. My dad was a firm believer in consequences. He was a big man and he believed his size 38 belt was a blessed instrument of correction sent by God and he never minded using it to impress upon me the seriousness of my sins.
I talked about his daddy and how he must do what he is asked by his boss at work or he will suffer the consequences of losing his job. I told him that as Pop and I had driven down to Texas we were given rules, such as the speed limit, and we were expected to obey the rule and drive the speed limit or there would be consequences – lots of money donated to the state of Texas! I explained that God has rules, such as the one that says we must honor our father and mother and we must obey our parents. As we talked, he calmed down and seemed to grasp once again what he already knew, bad behavior has consequences. As I left the room, his time was almost complete and he was willing to wait the additional five minutes to be able to rejoin the rest of the family.
What a sweet time I had talking with Jake and what a reminder it was to me that my sins will always cost me something. It cost Jake forty-five minutes away from family and time playing the Wii, which his brother had gotten to do in his absence. Due to his bad behavior his parents decided to take away the Wii indefinitely. It has been almost four weeks and he still has not been given his Wii privileges. Our daughter said the first week was rough, but his behavior has greatly improved as a result of taking away the Wii – they may not ever give it back!
Jonah did not obey and he suffered the consequences; he was swallowed by a whale! Eve did not obey and women have suffered with labor pains ever since. Adam did not obey, so mankind has had to toil and work since the garden. We have read all about the children of Israel and their constant disobedience and the consequences that followed. Why would we think that we could get away with sin, with disobedience?
My parents adopted the line, “This hurts me more than it hurts you.” I never believed that as a child, but as a parent myself, I clearly understood what my dad and mom were trying to convey to me as they applied the consequences to my backside! As children of the Most High, we cause the Father’s heart to ache when we sin and are disobedient to His word. His heart hurts as He applies our punishment for our sin and disobedience. Our sin grieves the Father, as our children’s sins grieve and pain us as parents. So, I look at my life and ask, what sin am I allowing in my life that is breaking my heavenly Father’s heart? Where am I purposely ignoring his commands and acting in disobedience? What will He take away as a result of my bad behavior? I know there will always be consequences to my bad behavior, so why do I continue in it?
Father, how patient You are with this stubborn child of Yours! Thank you for loving me in spite of my attitude and in spite of what I do and how I act. When the punishment doesn’t seem fair, may I remember that You love me and only want the very best for me. So, whatever the consequences, You are working it all together for my eternal good and Your glory! Take away what You must that I might be a greater reflection of You!
“And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Prov 3:11-12, NIV).
“A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence” (Prov 15:5, NIV).
dianne
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