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How Many Times Have I Told You?

As a mom, I have found that one of the most difficult things to get through to my children is that I expect them to do what I ask of them -- when I ask it.  I am not a dictator-mom who expects them to jump at the snap of my fingers, but I do expect to see obedience in somewhat of a timely fashion.  After all, isn't delayed obedience a form of disobedience? 

The reason why I want my children to obey promptly serves a greater purpose than just accomplishing the task they've been asked to do.  I'm trying to instill in them character traits that are applicable in their everyday lives, as well as their walk with the Lord.

You don't have to look any further than the prophet Jonah to see how delayed obedience can take you down a rough road.  From a frightful storm at sea to taking up residence in the belly of a whale, I think Jonah had to learn the hard way of why listening the first time is a good idea! 

Aside from the calamities that came Jonah's way because of his delayed obedience, one of the main reasons why it's a good idea to do what we're asked to do, when we're asked to do it, is clearly seen in Jonah 1:3:

"But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."

Disobedience to God takes us away from His presence.  You've probably heard the addage, "If you feel far away from God, He hasn't moved, you have."  If you are a living, breathing child of God, He has something for you to do.  You have a purpose and His plan for your life will bring glory to Him.  By choosing to carry out your plan, rather than His, you are essentially choosing to remove yourself from His presence -- one step at a time.

So, how many times has God had to ask you to do something?  Do you have a co-worker that you've neglected to witness to?  Is there a ministry that you've felt led to become a part of, but have yet to do so?  Perhaps He's been convicting you about spending time in His Word regularly and in communion with Him in prayer.  Or perhaps there's a strain in a relationship and He's asking you to be te one who seeks restoration.

Whatever He's asking you to do, please take a lesson from Jonah.  Prompt obedience just might keep you out of a load of trouble!







Comments

  1. UnknownMay 6, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    I will share this with my granddaughters.............. again............. I too needed a reminder.

    ReplyDelete

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