Thinking Out Loud
So our son and his family just moved to Hot Springs and are living with us until they find a place to live. It has been a joy beyond what Kellie or I ever imagined, and for this we thank the Lord. It’s been a few years since we’ve had young children in our home (three BOYS five years old and younger), so the “energy” they have has been a surprise. A pleasant surprise. I’m so thankful for parents who love their boys enough to lovingly and wisely deal with each drama with grace. It truly is amazing.
Observing the boys however, has been a bit revealing of my own heart and the bent of my flesh. It’s like looking in a mirror. At their age, these young men haven’t learned the “sophistication” of hiding their fleshly desires and motives like their Pops has. There is no facade. Their expectations, demands and motives are laid out in the open for all to see. And in seeing, I see my own heart, and it is both indicting and encouraging… because of Jesus.
PLEASE KNOW that these boys are sweet boys who are well mannered and a joy to be around. The things I note below are realities, not just of little boys but rather of the human heart. Here are ten things regarding my sinful self which I am reminded…
- I tend to live my life as though the world revolves around me. Everyone and every thing is secondary to my needs.
- When I am hurt, the hurt doesn’t begin to feel better until I let others around me know how bad it hurts.
- I don’t like being told what to do… by anyone. Period!
- It seems easier to blame something or someone else than it is to take personal responsibility.
- Even though it’d be easier just to obey, resisting, procrastinating, complaining and excusing is my usual course of action.
- I operate on the premise that I know exactly how close to the line I can get before being chastened. Sometimes I’m wrong.
- Sometimes I behave differently when I think no one is watching.
- The world is a wonderland when everything is going my way.
- I have the uncanny ability to be selective with my hearing.
- I so much need Jesus!
The glorious truth is, the gospel not only saves us from eternal wrath to come, the gospel is in the process of saving us daily from the stronghold that sin has on us right now. None of us have yet attained behavioral holiness, but thanks be to God that His patience and grace sustains us and continues to sanctify us by His Spirit through His Word.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Soli Deo Gloria!