Proverbs 23:15-16
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.
I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.
God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.
It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!
This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about Compassion, International - or to sponsor your own child - visit www.compassion.com.
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