Category Archives: Direction

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OUT OF LINE


2 THESSALONIANS 3:7

“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,” 

I have to admit that sometimes, when I was growing up, I could, well, get out line. I didn’t stay disciplined. I was the kind of kid to push the limits, to color outside the lines, to act out. It wasn’t that I was hurt and needed to rebel. I just wanted what I wanted when I wanted it. I didn’t care much who I hurt to get what I thought I deserved.

The phrase “we did not act in an undisciplined manner” is one Greek word (used only here in the New Testament) which means  “march out of order; riot, rebel, behave disorderly, neglect duty, careless (or idle) in habits.” Does that sound like you or your child? I pray that is not so.

APPLICATION

It seems we are always getting our children back in line when they are young. We are quick to correct them. Why? Because we know if we don’t, they will think that acting any old way is fine. We have to teach them to “march in line,” to behave and to drop careless habits.

I never enjoyed correcting my children. I never liked getting corrected. But I am thankful that I can pass down to my children the discipline of God’s Word. It is the ONLY thing that can truly discipline us. Make that a priority with your children.

If you find yourself in that spot of “undiscipline,” stop and allow the Holy Spirit in you reign. He will always act in a disciplined manner. But He will not force you to walk a certain manner or talk in a certain way or even love in a certain way. He must work through our free will to accomplish what He has for us.

There is no reason for me to act like the world, Father. Forgive me for not living as an example of Your love. I so desire to be seen as living only for you.

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Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Commands, Direction, Encouragement, Fatherhood, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Obedience, Parenting, Sanctification, Scripture, Thessalonians

LET’S PLAY KEEP AWAY


2 THESSALONIANS 3:6

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.” 

I know you’ve played that game. Am I right? Keep Away is one of those classic childhood games where someone is trying to gain control of an object while others pass it back and forth to avoid that person from getting it. It can go on for a long time. I have seen this game played all over the world. It may be called something else, but it’s the same game – Keep Away.

Paul is NOT talking about that. The word used here for that phrase (keep away) is only used twice in the New Testament, here and in 1 Corinthians 8:20. Both times it refers to us keeping ourselves protected from something. It means to withdraw from something, in this case an unruly brother. Notice he says “brother.” We are not to hang with those who say they are believers but live lives that are anything but holy.

APPLICATION

Children want friends. Sometimes they choose friends that are not good for them. These “friends” may even claim to love the Lord, but their behavior is disrespectful, disobedient and not Christlike. What do you do? You have to intervene. Your child will be influenced by others. You cannot stop that. But you can stop contact or association with those who would lead your children astray.

As your children get older, this gets a lot harder. They spend more and more time away from your presence and more and more time with their peers. That is why you must instill in them at an early age the need to choose friends who share their Biblical worldview and who want to follow Jesus. If you don’t, you are just asking for heartache and rejection.

So, who are you hanging out with? Is there someone in your life who you know it is not good to be around? Let me ask you a harder question. Are you that person who says one thing about Christ, but totally ignore His commands to live a righteous life? Should other believers be “keeping away” from you? Ouch!

Father, show me quickly if I do anything to cause another brother stumble. Let me protect Your reputation from evil influence in my life. I pray for those believers who struggle with righteous living.

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Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Christianity, Commands, Direction, Encouragement, Family, God's Will, Inspirational, Modeling, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture, Surrender, Thanksgiving, Thessalonians, Trust, Truth

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?


2 THESSALONIANS 3:5

“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”

I don’t know about you, but those to destinations are just fine with me.  I want to be in the love of God. I certainly want the steadfastness of Christ. If I am embedded in those two, whatever comes my way can be handled in peace. When I know the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ, I can rest. All is good, no matter the storm around me.

Right now I am in the middle of a storm. It is not a storm I produced or invited. I was literally thrust into it. But it is such a joy to know that even in the very midst of the storm I can have peace. No matter how I am attacked or maligned or slandered, I can rest in the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.

APPLICATION

Children need to know they are loved. As much as we love them, they need to know the love of God so much more. As you pray with them and read them His Word, remind them again and again of that truth.

Explain to your children how Christ’s steadfastness, His ability to bear up under, is theirs also. Because He is strong and He is in them, they can be strong. He is their strength. We aren’t. Friends aren’t. Only Christ. He will be all they need to bear the burdens they may be asked to bear.

What are you under right now? Do you feel His love and steadfastness? It’s there, if you are a believer. It’s there, if you trust Him. It’s there, if you surrender. Allow Him today to fill you with His love.  Allow Him today to be your rock and foundation.

God, You are all to me. Thank You for giving me Your love. Thank You for the steadfastness of heart You instill in me as I surrender to You daily.

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