Obedient Love

Homeschool disciplining would be easier if, like new clothes, our children came with a label. Directions would clearly state whether to use hot (spanking), warm (time out), or cold (grounded) water and when to line dry (take away privileges) or tumble dry (extra chores/community service). Unfortunately, our children don't come with wash and wear tags. We must rely on the Lord's wisdom to guide us when correcting and instructing our children in obedience.

Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), teaching our children to be obedient is a big part of a homeschooling parent's day. Training in righteousness falls on us, and we must teach our children to embrace the truth of Ephesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." However, building this godly character trait takes time. As homeschooling parents persist in their disciplining efforts, children eventually learn to be obedient both to their parents and the Lord.

Christian parents must also learn to be obedient to the Lord. We may say we love the Lord, but often we fail to prove this love with our actions. Like a rebellious child, we pout, talk back, and demand our own way. God gives us the example of obedience in His Son: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). Will you seek to show your true love for the Lord by obeying and doing what He asks? "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21).

Lord, like a parent, You lovingly remind me to obey You each day because You wish to bless me. Help me discover the depth of Your love and thoughts of Your heart by honoring You and doing what You've asked. In Your name, Amen.

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Comments(8 comments)

PAM S 08/29/2009 04:45:29

This devotional was a good reminder for me. We are currently going through a situation with my husband's job that has us wondering what God is trying to do or teach us. We know God brought us here and put us in the job but it's been highly stressful and uncertain from a human perspective. Your comments in several devotionals have really spoken to my heart and reminded me to keep my focus on the Lord and trust Him to finish what He started for His honor and glory--not my comfort and pleasure.

KELLY C 08/29/2011 05:27:57

Pam S \"Trust Him to finish what He started for His honor and glory--not my comfort and pleasure.\" I may print out your words and display them on my wall today. Thank you. I needed that.

LAURA P 08/29/2011 05:43:18

I looked up the word \'manifest\', and the definitions are \"clear or obvious to the eye or mind\", and \"readily perceived by the eye or understanding\",\"\"evident, apparent, plain.\" That is so awesome. \"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him\" (John 14:21).

I really need Jesus to manifest himself to me. I have to agree that God must be totally involved in these daily devotionals, because they are always relevant, and I like that they get here before I go to work.

TROY J 08/29/2011 07:30:12

The word \"hypocrisy\" comes to mind when I get frustrated with one of my kids when they don\'t automatically obey. I think to myself don\'t they know that I have their best interests, don\'t they know I know what is best. If they loved me they would obey me. Then the Holy Spirit convicts my heart by reminding me that I don\'t always \'automatically obey\' the Lord either, eventhough I know He has my best interest, I know that He knows what is best for me. So how can I expect my children to just do what I say when I say when I myself battle with obeying the Lord immediately and completely. On the other hand in these moments it inspires me to trust God and remember He is the perfect Father.

KRISTA J 08/29/2012 04:19:52

Along with a wash n wear label, a recipe would have also been nice for every child for example, \" this child is made of 2 parts intelligence, one part humor and 4 parts obstinence...\" But as pointed out, that is not the way it works, every child is wonderfully crafted by God for God\'s purpose, not ours, we do however, have the honor and priviledge to add a few coats of paint!

SANDY M 08/29/2012 13:00:35

Thank you so much for this today. We struggled with attention and a sense of small back talk about school work. I needed to be reminded that this discipline is a process....not a given. lol

Thanks and God Bless all who read here.

AMANDA A 08/29/2012 20:42:45

This was truly a blessing. I am currently dealing with an issue with my child and had to laugh at the care tag reference. I have tried EVERYTHING and nothing has gotten to him, but this reminded me to go to GOD and ask HIm for help. Thank you for that today.

Jennifer Helm 09/10/2013 14:35:40

Great


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