Men Behaving Badly

It only took 3 seconds for that question to come

Psalm 143:1-12

Reference: Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you. (Psalm 143:2 NIV)

Explore: We have had to work hard at setting firm boundaries for our foster boys. They now know that it’s not ok to hit your brother in anger or to tell lies to get extra lollies.

They are very typical children – they need reminding of what the boundaries are and what the consequences will be if they choose not to stay within them.

The other day we went to the skate park and they noticed an adult was on a bike without a helmet. I was glad when they proclaimed, “That man’s not wearing a helmet” as it showed me that they knew the right thing was to wear safety gear. However, I knew exactly what the following question would be.

It only took 3 seconds for it to come… “Why isn’t he wearing a helmet?”

Before answering their question I got the boys to remind me why it was so important for them to wear a helmet. Once they had spoken of safety and protection if they fell off their bike, I then addressed their original question.

“Even though we know how important it is to wear a helmet, some people choose not to. Unfortunately, even adults can make the wrong decisions at times.”

The boys seemed happy with the response and were more interested in riding their bikes than discussing the fall of humankind. However, it saddened me that already these children had learned that adults didn’t always make the right choices or do the right thing for others.

Application: While I am far from perfect, and life has not always been easy, when I look at what I have accomplished so far, I can see that I’ve made some good choices. There has been much joy and sorrow along the way, but I am conscientious to make good decisions and be a positive role model to my children and all those I come in contact with.

And yet, when I compare myself to God, I can see how quickly I falter in so many areas. He needs to constantly remind me, as I do with my young children, of how important it is to keep coming back to the right choices.

When we compare children to adults, we can see that they often find it challenging to think of others rather than focussing on themselves. And yet, as adults we all know that we can make some very selfish decisions too, and often our choices have more serious consequences.

Compared to God, we all fall short. We are blessed that our God is not fair as none of us deserve His grace.

There is no one living who is greater than God, and yet, He loves us, has redeemed us, and constantly works with us to bring us to wholeness. If we want to work at making better decisions, then we need to look more to God and less to the selfishness that fills our desires.

Prayer: Lord, we are often like disobedient children when it comes to making daily choices. Help us to continue to draw from Your wisdom and love as we come to each cross road of decision. Amen.

What decisions do you find difficult to make?

adults, choices, decisions, helmet, Psalm, questions, wisdom