Is there Flexibility in Obedience?

But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways. Judges 2:19  

God appointed judges to guide and rule the Hebrew people—but like other people, the judges were not perfect and some of them acted corruptly. That happens sometimes when people are given power—they selfishly forget from whom their power comes…and feel only their own strength. That can happen within families as children grow up. With age comes freedom, responsibility and power. The power to make their own decisions. The danger in that is…are they ready? Have they been trained to be responsible and do they have wisdom to make good choices? Were their parents good examples or will they be like the people described in Psalms 78:8? And not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God. The choice begins with the parents—training their children to be obedient. Can there be flexibility in obedience?

Training Tip – Flexibility in obedience? Strict military standards would have no room for flexibility. But even Jesus gave people choices—options. Speaking to the Pharisees He said… Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. John 8:24. He gave them a choice…believe or don’t. We can give our children choices…obey or there will be consequences. Be stubborn or obey. Obey or there will be consequences. That’s pretty much it. Obey or there will be consequences. How flexible can you be in requiring obedience?

Lord God, help us to abandon our stubborn ways and to raise our children and grandchildren to listen to You Word and follow Your ways that we would live lives pleasing to You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.