Compelled to Obey

Have you ever been frustrated by the energy you spend trying to direct the behavior of your children? At different ages there are different  issues, but we never stop giving direction and it seems they never stop challenging us. If only our children could measure the love we have for them and see how boundless it is, they would surely begin to grasp that all of our instructions are for their good.  It is our life’s work to mold and shape them and make them new.

In order to be a success as a parent we have to get our kids to leave their childish ways behind and realize that being a productive adult involves walking away from the ego-centric life of their infancy. That behavior has to be left behind forever.

Next we must help them to see that first-time obedience is imperative.  Often they will take the time to ponder the outcome and weigh the consequences before they decide to respond positively to our directives. If we are to help them grasp the critical nature of immediate obedience to our instructions, we have to be consistent with our discipline. Failure on our part to follow through teaches them that our words are not trustworthy.

After we have laid out the path away from their inbred self-centeredness and taught them to obey consistently, their actions and attitudes begin to reflect the goodness that God intends for all of us. They will begin to notice the needs of others and become a good citizen, contributing positive thoughts and actions to those around them.

Interestingly, these are the very steps Paul shares with the new followers in 2 Corinthians 5.

Vs. 14  tells us that it is Christ’s love that compels us to follow Him. We realize that His death shows us His boundless love and His resurrection shows us His power to transform us.  Our love must also be transformative in the lives of our children. Our love gives them the desire to follow. Rules without love and grace will push them away. Love them enough to change their focus and show them the right attitudes and behaviors. You are their #1 teacher in life.

Vs. 15 teaches us that we must walk away from our own selfish desires and allow him to guide our way… our thoughts… our attitudes… our actions. The same thing we are working on with our children, God is working on in His children.

Vs. 17 explains that being IN CHRIST causes us to be made new. We are no longer obedient to the desires that trip us up, but belonging to Jesus, we obey Him without question.

Vs. 20 describes us as Christ’s ambassadors, making the appeal to the world to follow the God who made them, loves them and designed a plan for their lives. The world will see God in us and follow because He is love, mercy and grace.  Isn’t that what you want your kids to see?

I challenge you today to let God transform you so that you can become His ambassador to your children. Grow with them. Learn and teach. Accept love and give love. You will not do anything more important… EVER!