Planning vacations is always
fun and exciting—setting dates for quick getaways or long stays. Every venturesome event begins with a plan
and then the first step to fulfill the anticipated journey.
When I think about journeys
and steps taken, I am reminded of my three children—the times they began to
crawl and take their first steps. My
wife and I watched in awe as each child ventured out and daringly stepped
forward. It was exciting to see the
progress and growing confidence they developed as they explored new horizons
inside our home. Their inquisitive minds
led them into adventures—often into things they weren’t supposed to get into.
From my perspective, their
incredible journey was both exciting and mischievous in their quest for
happiness, but always under our close supervision. This marked the beginning of their training
experiences in the way God intended youth to grow; under the guidance of
concerned parents with godly influence.
Early on, we taught our three
adventurers not to touch the knickknacks on the coffee table or climb onto the
raised fireplace hearth where they could hurt themselves. We knew the temptation was strong, but they
soon learned that obedience was better than the alternative. I’m sure they didn’t understand that the
frequent “No-No” they heard was for their benefit—often responding with tears
of frustration. They wanted what they
wanted, and that was that.
Those early learning
experiences during their formative years were lessons in staying out of trouble
through obedience as they journeyed across plush carpet and hardwood
floors. These moments influenced them in
every area of life—physically and spiritually.
As Scripture says, “Train up a child…”
(Proverbs 22:6), “Train up
a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
My parents believed in
teaching my three siblings and me the importance of obeying rules at a young
age. That training produced strong moral
character in each of us. It didn’t
happen by accident; it required consistent follow-through from Mom and Dad. I’m sure it would have been easier for them
to let us do our own thing rather than invest the time to teach
responsibility. But they wanted us to
understand accountability—and that actions have consequences.
Their long-range goal was for
us to possess strong moral values, respect those in authority, and take
responsibility for our actions.
Discipline in our home was not a “Do as I say, not as I do”
environment. Their training was rooted
in love, not abuse.
Dad, with his old-school
mindset, believed obedience was better than sacrifice. Losing privileges—and yes, on occasion a trip
to the woodshed—taught us the importance of doing what was expected. And his methods worked. Like any children, we tested boundaries to
see what we could get away with—that’s simply part of growing up.
God has given us guidelines in
the Bible to help us maintain a fulfilling lifestyle on this incredible journey
called life. He understands us better
than we understand ourselves and deals with each of His children uniquely,
shaping excellence in their lives.
Just as I love my children and
desire the best for them, God loves His children and desires the best for
us. He is neither overbearing nor unjust
in His commands. His rules serve as
safeguards—to protect us from physical and spiritual harm. At times, we resist correction because we
fail to grasp the depth of His love. Yet
He chastens us to help curb our disobedient spirit.
His desire is for us to walk
the straight and narrow path that leads to abundant life in Him—a path that
blesses rather than entangles us in temptation.
When obedience becomes immediate and foremost in our spiritual walk, our
relationship with God flourishes. The
joy He gives far outweighs the despair that disobedience brings.
When we follow God’s
commandments—His moral law given for our benefit—we discover that He truly
wants the best for us, free from the chaos that comes when headstrong children
insist on their own way without considering consequences.
My wife and I endeavored to
raise our children with patience and love.
God is even more patient and long-suffering with us. He knows that persistence, follow-through,
and love bring fulfillment to both sides of the relationship.
The journey ahead becomes
incredible when obedience is faithfully observed. It produces strong character in those who
walk in His statutes and live as His sons and daughters.
www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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