2 Peter 2:22 “It has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘A dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.’”

BUT TRUE

I will never forget witnessing this first proverb when I was little boy.  Our dog was sick and vomited, but then he turned around and ate it.  Yuk!  Gross!  Sorry, for the graphic analogy.  And I also had an uncle (Uncle Hugh Lee) who was a pig farmer.  I saw his hogs, big and little, after getting all cleaned up for market, go and wallow in the mud again.  My uncle would get so mad!  Lol

The point is this – we, unless we are living for Christ daily, will return to those fleshly, nasty, dirty things we lived in before.  The draw of the flesh is strong.  I once had a kid tell me, “I’m tired of being good.  Being bad is so much easier.”  No truer words have been spoken.

TEACHING MOMENT

So how do we teach our kids to not return to their own vomit or wallow in the mire?  We have to be consistent with our discipline and live a lifestyle ourselves that points them constantly to Christ.  The first one is much easier.  It seems the second one is where we fail.  We had rather say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  That just won’t work.

Invite your child to read the Word with you.  They will remember those moments.  Pray with your child.  They will model that behavior.  As appropriate, confess your sins to them.  They need to know you are NOT perfect.  Sometimes our kids see us that way and one small imperfection can throw them.  Be open and honest at all times with them.

Are you living your life that way?  Are you asking the Lord to reveal those things that veer you back to the mire and vomit?  He will show you exactly where you got off the path, if you ask.  He wants you to stay near to him where you can live and thrive, not strive.

Father of all, You are my only true guiding light.  Thank You for leading me in the path of righteousness instead of the path of destruction.  I praise You!