Reflections from May 28, 2010

Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Paul outlines a dedication in verse 1 to present our body as a sacrifice to God which in terms of the Old Testament, is essentially a sacrifice of the best we have to be acceptable to God. This ties to verse 2 in that to be acceptable to God, we must transform ourselves from what the world expects to what God expects. This transformation and renewal is to prove by testing and to approve or discover God's will as to what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

In Proverbs 28:6 it says, "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich."

Solomon tells us to keep our honor and integrity at all costs. There is no amount of money that's worth giving up our values, especially those that bring honor and glory to God.

Solomon tells us in Proverbs 29:15, "The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."

Time and time again, I hear of examples where a child as he or she grows into adulthood, brings disgrace on the family. There are many examples in Hollywood, such as Lindsey Lohan, who continues in drugs and alcohol. I'm willing to say that there was no oversight, parenting, or stern direction given to her as a child. That's not to say that things may still go wrong, even if a parent does everything right. There are so many influences in today's world that can grab hold of a child and rip them from the arms of the parents. But, one of the best defenses is a strong offense, so providing a home where discipline is invoked and requirements are set in place, helps to ensure the child will not grow away from God as they get older.

Blessings to all