"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
1 John 1:8
How can we protect our children from falling away from a life of faith? We teach them the vast differences between us and God.
*Humans fail, but God never fails.
"Her (Jerusalem's) prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous men.
Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.
The LORD within her is righteous;
He does no wrong.
Morning by morning He dispenses His justice,
and every new day He does not fail,
yet the unrighteous know no shame."
Zephaniah 3:4-5
*Parents, even Christian parents, make serious mistakes, but
God works perfectly in us without a hitch or glitch.
"Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close."
Psalm 27:10
*Friends break promises, but God faithfully keeps His covenant with His people.
"a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, Who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,"
Titus 1:2
*Church members take their frustrations out on other people through moodiness, distance and general grumpiness, but
God is Love, never changes, never leaves or forsakes us, and keeps an open-Arm policy.
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
"I the LORD do not change." Malachi 3:6
"God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
*Christians have been known to hold longtime grudges, but
God forgives each time we ask.
God forgives each time we ask.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
*People only half-live due to secret sin and private issues,
but God shines His Light in our darkness and brings healing and wholeness.
"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5
*Humans exalt themselves and other people only to end up constantly disappointed,
when Jesus humbled Himself and proved worthy of our complete and constant devotion.
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who being in the very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!"
Philippians 2:6-8
*Some leaders prove to be wolves in sheep's clothing who mangle and steal life,
but Jesus, the Lamb of God, gives us abundant life in Him for eternity.
"Watch out for false prophets.
They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
Matthew 7:15
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them."
Ephesians 5:6-7
"Then next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
'Look, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world!'"
John 1:29
*Believers need accountability and fellowship to stay in God's Will;
God stands alone as good and challenges us to test, try and prove His goodness.
"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Ephesians 4:16
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house.
Test Me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'"
Malachi 3:10
These vast differences mean we can't put anyone on a pedestal for our children to follow. Our job is to lead them to test, try and prove for themselves that God alone deserves their trust. As our children grow in their faith we need to avoid handing them our quick answers in favor of praying with them for God's answers. This same principle applies to all our spiritual relationships because each time we pray with someone we take them into the Presence of the God Who stands ready to help them. When we stop short of God's Presence to offer someone our own opinions, answers or comfort, we deprive them of a personal faith-building experience. If we're not careful, we allow them to confuse our words with His Word. As an added blessing, allowing God to have that pedestal all to Himself frees us to live honestly and openly as imperfect humans working alongside other imperfect humans to perfect our faith in the only perfect One.
Lord, forgive us for wanting and giving the easiest way, the quickest answers, and the shortest shortcuts. There are no magic pills or perfect people to follow and we miss blessing after blessing when we try to put anyone but You on a pedestal. Guide us to trust You enough to help other people trust You. Stop us from secretly thinking we have to help You fulfill Your promises or uphold Your character, but open our mouths to testify to all the ways You've fulfilled Your promises in our lives. Keep us from being stumbling blocks to anyone's vision of You or relationship with You.
In the Name of Jesus, the only One Who ever lived a perfect life on this earth!
Inspired by Live Loved, by Max Lucado
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