For Whom the Lord Loves...

Isaiah(my son) & I were riding in my truck the other day to take care of some errands. While driving, my wife called. We began talking about a reward for Isaiah because he had broken a bad habit and had promised him that if he did we would get him something. When I hung up the phone, I told Isaiah what we had decided. Isaiah, in a sweet innocent voice, said, "Ok. I didn't hear what you told mom." I really didn't think anything about it, I just kept driving.

A moment later, Isaiah said, "Dad, I didn't really lie to you..." this wasn't the innocent voice he had just used. This was a timid, almost fearful voice. He continued, "...when I said I didn't hear what you said to mommy, I really did. But I didn't really lie to you."

First off, how many of us would even think this was important enough to bring up? He was in the clear. I wasn't asking him about it, or trying to get him to confess, he did this on his own. I think many of us would look at how unimportant this was and would just let it go. But something else was happening here. Isaiah was experiencing something. He was feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit, something lots of people don't like to talk about.

I explained to Isaiah that he did lie, but what he was feeling was actually good. Why? Because of Proverbs 3:12:

"For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights."

It took a while, but Isaiah did finally understand. He knew that he had sinned and that actually broke his heart. He even cried when he realized that he did lie an it was a sin. But I didn't stop with just him understanding that he had sinned. I explained that because he felt this way, it was a confirmation that God loves him. Then I got to share 1 John 1:9:

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I told Isaiah that I forgive him and helped him ask God for forgiveness.

So knowing all this now, has God been showing you correction in your life? What do you need to ask forgiveness for? Just something to think about.

In Christ,
jon walton

Don't You Know What I've Been Through?

I was thinking of a situation that happened to a couple of friends of mine not long ago. I'll give you the quick recap. Also, it should be known that both friends openly say they are following Jesus Christ. We will call them Bob and Jane to keep it clear. No, those are not their real names, heh.

Jane cursed in a public setting.
Bo said that Jane shouldn't use language like that. Bob did this in the same public setting
Jane responded that if Bob had been through what Jane had, he would curse too. Jane said Bob shouldn't pass judgment on her and Bob was wrong for doing so.
Bob and Jane are no longer friends.

As I thought about this situation, I can see where both Bob and Jane where not handling the situation very well, however one thing really stood out to me. Since when does going through something difficult make it ok to not be Christlike if you are redeemed by Jesus? Are we still not ambassadors for Jesus if things are hard? Are the consequences different if we are going through a difficult season in our lives? Absolutely not! But this is a pretty common thought isn't it?

Now don't get me wrong, I am not passing judgment on Jane. I think we all make mistakes and we all defiantly NEED grace and forgiveness. However, a difficult situation does not justify or excuse ungodly behavior. Basic reality is that we are called to be different than those who are not following Christ. We are called to be above reproach, regardless of what we are going through. 1 John 2:1 puts describes this notion wonderfully:

"My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One"

Just something to think about.

In Christ,
jon walton
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