PRIORITIZING OBEDIENCE
"The eye that mocks a father,
that scorns an aged mother,
will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,
will be eaten by the vultures."
Proverbs 30:17 (NIV)
More than likely, this is probably not a verse that you have ever put on your list to memorize. While this verse is striking and dark in its language and metaphor, what the author of this proverb is trying to convey is a point that we should not gloss over. Parents must instruct their children. A principle in the Scriptures is that obedience is connected to our ability to see spiritually.
I believe in this life that there are perspectives on our lives that we will only truly see if we are willing to obey. Our obedience leads to insight in our lives. If you are a parent, it is so important to teach your children to obey and to create many opportunities to see that obedience is a blessing, not a chore.
As our children age, the decisions that require obedience to godly living have amplified consequences. Things like cheating on exams, lying to their siblings or choosing to curse with their words have real consequences when they are young. But when our children grow older, if obedience has not been a priority, seeing this world through God's eyes becomes difficult. Our vision for life is altered if we cannot obey the Lord's directions and instructions.
APPLICATION: Today, can you name an area of your life that the Lord has required your obedience? Do not delay, trust and obey Him today!
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the many people in my life who have taught me the importance of obedience. Thank You for the insight I have in this life because I trusted someone wise and obeyed their instructions. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?