Vol 4 No 18 - Responsible Parenting

While looking over my cell phone bill the other day, I ran across a notice a notice that offered an optional plan called "Smart Limits for Wireless" available to parents who would like to control a number of things on the plans in their account, including:

1. Number of text and instant messages

2. Dollar amount of downloadable purchases
(ringtones, games & more)

3. Amount of Web browsing usage allowed per billing cycle

4. Times of day the phone can be used for messaging, browsing and outbound calling

5. Who the phone can call or text (incoming and outgoing) by blocking or allowing certain numbers

6. The access of content inappropriate for children

As I go through this list, I can see a number of relieved and satisfied parents who take advantage of this to be responsible parents, and I see a number of frustrated children who know that mom & dad 'just don't get it.'  But I also see a parallel to the relationship between God and the people of God.

Even the most well-meaning of Christians at time chafe under the expectations that have been laid out for those of the Christian faith.  Due to the life that we have been called to pursue, we cannot always do what we want when we want.  Through our submission of our will to God's, we too have limits under which we operate - many at times that get in the way of our desires.  We have the responsibility to, in all things, seek God with all that we have, and offer to him all that we are.

Much like children who chafe under restrictions that are placed on them by parents, the people of God have a long history of rebelling against God's guidance and direction.  However, thank God that there are guidelines for our lives - that we are not just out there to do what we want.  Like responsible parents, God places limits on the desires of our flesh not to oppress us, not to be 'unfair', not because God 'doesn't get it', but because God's love for us is also a protective love that seeks to have what's best in store for us, even when we cannot see those things for ourselves.

See you Sunday!

Lamar