1 Peter 1:17
You call out to God for help and he
helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a
responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.
All rights reserved.
We’ve been practicing for the
children’s Christmas program at our church. I am helping with the music
this year…and this is Timothy’s first time to participate in the
program for children in elementary school. His sister and brother will
ring bells with the “Little Ringers” – which includes ages 3-5.
Our
practices for the program are on Sunday nights at 5:00. This is just
about the worst hour of the week for elementary school children to
rehearse for a program. They are weary…they are distracted...some are
hungry…they’ve had a big week, and some have had an even bigger weekend.
So
the children stand and halfway sing. They go through the motions, and I
wonder if, with two rehearsals left, the program will be even remotely
decent on December 13th. I almost know that it will be – that God will
provide. Still, I coach the children to sing louder…to “stand up
straight and do your best!” And I pray for a good outcome!
One
night, Timothy was especially tired, and I actually let him leave
practice early. He told his mother and me, “I don’t want to do this
anymore.” He loves the music, and his mother says that he practices at
home on his own and sings like a bird. And to her credit, she told him
that…”We finish what we start.” So he has been a good “soldier” and
marched to practice since – and I am confident that he will sing beautifully for the actual performance.
Here’s the thing. My heart
aches for those little kids who are weary and disinterested. But “rules
are rules”…and Timothy’s mother is right – “we finish what we start.”
And it’s that way with God, too. Yes, He meets our needs…and often, His
heart is broken for us and what wears us down. He has committed to
caring for us at all times…”through thick and thin.” But at the same
time, we’ve made a commitment to love and serve God in return…and there is no room in this covenant for sloppy living.
We
cannot have it both ways. We cannot take and take from God and expect
Him to keep on giving without any reservations. We cannot give less
than our best in “rehearsals” and expect a flawless “performance” at the
actual program!
I am so grateful for God’s love and care.
Today, my challenge for all of us is that we would examine our hearts –
and our thoughts, words and actions – and see where we have gotten a
little sloppy. Where do we need to “stand up straight and do our
best?” Where do we need to work a little harder to finish what we have
begun…even if it takes the rest of our lives? Will this be the day that
you recommit to your covenant with God? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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