The Short Cut

Just on the other side of the sink-hole is a driveway. In order to follow the road closure sign- it will take the owner an additional twenty minutes to access his lake cabin by going the other way. He could choose to go forward-take the short cut- and ignore the sign, but if he does his vehicle will end up nine to ten feet below the surface of the ground. My guess is he's pretty bummed about that sink hole and the inconvenience it is causing him.

However, if he is wise he will heed the caution in order to avoid an even bigger problem.

God gives us and our kids specific guidance too. Often we are tempted to ignore his directions and do what we think may be faster, better, or more fun. I guess it is in the human DNA. That is just what Adam and Eve did. They ignored God's directive to Adam, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for when  you eat of it you will surely die" (Genesis 2: 16-17).

Rather than avoid the tree, with the  serpent's clever tempting, Eve went right for the fruit while encouraging Adam to do the same.

Isn't that how sin often works?

We've been warned, we know it's wrong, listen to that little voice that says it's no big deal, then justify our behavior by dragging along another?

There is a saying that has been floating around that goes something like this: "I'm not the friend who will bail you out when you are in jail. I'm the one who will be sitting next to you."

Funny?

Not so much. Tragic really.

Encourage your child to find friends who will bring out the best in him and those he brings out the best in as well. These are life-time and live-giving friends. True friends.

Also train your children to recognize the enemy's voice. It often sounds like this:

You're only young once.

This isn't hurting anyone.

It's none of your parents' business.

It's not that big of a deal.

You're (insert age) you should be able to do it anyway.

Everyone else does it.

If no one finds out, no one will care.

Train your kids to listen to God's voice. God tells us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy and to put those things into practice (Philippians 4:8).

What lies has the enemy whispered to your child? To you? How do you recognize your Father's voice?

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9

It's No Big Deal

Theme for June: Unity
Scripture Verse:

"...for he (satan) is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44c

Mom's Musing:
"Go ahead. Do it. It's not a big deal. No one will find out. It's my life." Words whispered into our ears, into our children's ears. The enemy's lies come fast and furious. Whatever the temptation, the result of giving in is always the same. Guilt is followed by a cover-up. Fear of being discovered looms. Shame for the action results. A lie is born and it quickly reproduces. Deception delivers relationship division. The person lied to is hurt. The liar feels discomfort around the person he's deceived.  To regain unity the injured party's pride needs to be sacrificed and  bravery is required from the deceiver. Dealing with relational disunity should occur as quickly as possible. The more time goes by the bigger the relational chasm. A consequence for the lie also needs to be put into place.
Parenting Tip: When you discover your tween or teen has lied, reveal what you know. Keep calm even if the child is not. Show unconditional love and grace. (Remember when you deceived your parents at that age.)  Ask how the issue can be remedied and how the relationship can be repaired. (Your child will have some good ideas.) Start the process of rebuilding trust by having a system where your child is accountable for his words and whereabouts. Train your young person to recognize the enemy's words of persuasion. Give your child a response to those lies, "God knows."