Many do.
Just the other day I talked with someone who felt that God was the big bully in the sky bossing people around.
I don't see Him like that at all. I see Him as a loving Father that has given us all the freedom we desire. We have the choice to take any path we want in this life, He won't stop us. However He tells us that the choice we make will determine the joy or heartache in the journey. He sets before us life and death, but His desire is that we would choose life, not only for His joy, but for ours also.
Proverbs 1:29-33
For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.
30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen.
32 For they are simpletons who turn away from me — to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm."
NLT
As parents who love their children, do we tell them, 'you have the freedom to do whatever you want- go play in the streets if it makes you happy!' No, we protect them, we show them boundaries because we love them. We even discipline them when they make bad choices.
God does the same with us. He warns us, through the apprehension in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. He sends friends and counselors to help guide us. And of course He speaks so clearly through His Word and sometimes He disciplines us when we get off the path.
I believe this in on my heart today because someone is facing a choice that is hard. Their emotions WANT one thing, but they know that isn't what's best and may even be harmful.
I encourage you to listen to that still small voice...look to God's Word for answers and seek out someone who you know will tell you the truth.
Praying for you...
Sue
11 comments:
I was talking with our teen about this very subject yesterday.
Thank you.
WOW How True, I was talking with my husband yesterday about the scripture that we must train a child in the bath that he must follow, continually re-directing until they do it on their own. The thought of reaping what we sown on our own a terrible thought in deed, Thanks for sharing.
Leanne
I love boundaries... but I haven't always. I can see how lovingly the Lord has set them up in my life and I'm thankful that He cares enough to restrict me, saving me from myself. Great post, Sue!
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm." ...
i love that verse. when i look back at my "i'll do whatever i want" past and compare it to my christian life now i totally get it. God is good!
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm." ...
i love that verse. when i look back at my "i'll do whatever i want" past and compare it to my christian life now i totally get it. God is good!
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm." ...
i love that verse. when i look back at my "i'll do whatever i want" past and compare it to my christian life now i totally get it. God is good!
Such an important post, Sue...so many times we get so busy that we are able to block out that 'still, small voice' that is telling us to turn around and take the other path. Bless you for sharing this truth...
Susan
This topic seems to be coming up alot lately. Great post!
I was just having this same conversation with my preteen daughter yesterday!!! Looks like you hit on something that blessed all your commentors this week!! Thanks
It seems we're either seeing or experiencing this for ourselves alot lately.
Therefore...choose life!!
Thanks so much for all the input!
I think there will always be people who make the claim that God is a "cosmic bully". Doling out rules, etc., just as there will always be children who make the same complaint against their earthly parents.
Thank God, He is a loving parent. He gives us freedom but He does set boundaries. Certainly it's not always easy to admit when you've made a wrong choice, but God is always there to love us and pick us back up when we fall.
Great article! Thank you for sharing this necessary truth.
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