Daily Devotional for May 18, 2013

May 18 ~ Genesis 6:3
Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”
 
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
In a few months, I hope our four-year-old Timothy will start to pre-K.  Today, my almost-18-year-old cousin graduated from high school.  My Jr/Sr-high Sunday school students from a few years ago are now graduating from college, beginning careers, getting married and starting their own families. All throughout these life stages, there will be rules and expectations… limits and consequences.  For instance, young children have to be reminded over and again about certain things… don’t throw rocks, come when called, don’t hit your sister/brother!  We try to be patient as they learn these lessons.
 
As children become teenagers, the “second chances” diminish.  Older kids know that “No means no!” – or they should!  By the time we are young adults, there are still instances in which we “test the waters”… but hopefully, most of us understand that life is full of choices, rules, and rewards.  There are also consequences when we choose poorly or fail to comply.
 
This is no different for Christians.  God is patient with us... to a point.  He waits for us to choose to follow Jesus…granting us free will.  He nurtures us in the first weeks/months/years after we become a Christian.  God allows for our “humanness” – He understands that we are not perfect and never will be.  But there comes a time when His patience wears thin.  He will not tolerate “pre-K Christians” forever.  And while God will not retract your salvation…He will withhold blessings and rewards.
 
God will not allow us to fully self-destruct… and possibly take down those around us… at least not indefinitely.  He has given us clear guidelines for how to live… rules to follow and a distinct indication of the potential for blessings.  God has also detailed the surety of consequences when we choose to go our own way.  Just as our patience runs thin with children who don’t seem to learn as they grow… God loses patience with us when there is no progress in our Spiritual journey.
 
We all know the feeling when our patience wears thin with someone or something.  This is not a sentiment that I want God to experience about me and my faith!  What about you?  Are you trying God’s patience?  Isn’t it time you re-examined your life in Christ and determined where you need to make adjustments to get you back on track?
 
None of us will live forever.  But let’s make the most of every minute God gives us on this earth.  Let’s live in a way that indicates a deep desire to grow and serve Him each and every day.  Let’s live a long, full life in Christ … and give God every reason to be pleased with our progress.
 
©2013 Debbie Robus