Posts Tagged ‘fruits of the Spirit’

Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Acts 24:25

A Facebook post suggested that in the U.S. people believe it is more horrific to lose our phones than our virginity.

In another, more personal rant, a Mom was calling out her son’s teacher for sending an announcement home with her Kindergartner rather than directly emailing the parents. She had failed to get notice of something she needed to make until the night before an event. Her son was at risk of not being able to participate. He was rescued when he remembered to tell his mother that he lost the paper.

In a show of compassion for other children whose parents might have missed the announcement, she was sending more than was needed (of whatever she was asked to send) so no child would be deprived of the event.

I completely understand a mother wanting her child to be included in events rather than sitting aside while everyone else gets to enjoy the moment.

But, isn’t this how a child learns self-discipline? No consequences – no change. If a child has to miss an event, she will bring the paper home next time.

The concept of self-discipline seems to be getting lost in our culture, even for adults.

In Acts 24:25 the governor, Felix, dismisses Paul when he starts “reasoning about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.” This seems to still be happening today. Like Governor Felix, people do not want to be reasoned with on the expectations that God has for His people. We would rather send away the messengers and think as we like. Even confessing Christians work hard at justifying clearly unbiblical behavior, trying to make it OK with God.

God is pretty clear that He is the only Law Giver (Psalm 119).

Young children will learn what we teach them. If we expect self-control, and there are consequences when it is not exercised they will learn it early. It takes years of practice to do it all the time.  If we never expect it from our children, why are we surprised when we don’t see it in adults?

Self-control must be modeled as well as taught. If we are not able to resist staying up on the computer, or watching one more episode of that show, or eating that last piece of cake (right after the next-to-the-last piece), children will learn that behavior. If we can’t see a commercial without buying the product or walk by the vending machines without getting something to eat, or can’t pick up our own dirty laundry off the floor, what are we teaching the next generation?

Our Savior set a high standard for us to follow. True for children; true for adults. We are to be conformed to His image. He was able to resist worldly temptations and do only those things that God had given Him to do. That included talking with His Father, worshiping His Father, and obeying His Father. All. The. Time.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15. ESV) Are we really more concerned about losing our phones than obeying our Savior?