A Needed Reminder
Last week I had the opportunity to attend an event called Polishing the Pulpit. I have been to this annual event about five times in the past, and I strive to attend it every year if possible. Although the title of the event may sound like it is only for preachers, or those who typically speak behind a pulpit, the truth is much different. It is an event for everyone, including children. Regardless of your family circumstance, I encourage you to look for opportunities like this to help strengthen your faith. We commonly use vacations to recharge. Have you ever considered a vacation to recharge your spiritual life? Please see me if you have any questions or interest about the event.
I heard a number of good lessons while at Polishing the Pulpit. I would like to share one of those ideas with you today. Have you ever received mixed messages from someone? I know that I have received them. It is frustrating. I have had teachers who really emphasized some things and seemed to test and grade with a different agenda. Not only is it frustrating, but it makes things really difficult.
I want us to think carefully about the message that we send in our homes. Especially, what message do we send our children? Is it possible that we send mixed signals? For example, we often (and rightly) teach that God is to be the most important thing in our lives. Do our actions speak the same message? It is easy to convey that Jesus is the most important on Sunday, but that He really does not matter much the rest of the week. For a moment, consider the amount of time that can be spent on sports, video games, television, internet browsing, social media, and even school related issues. I am not saying that any of these items are inherently evil. However, when you total up the devotion time of these activities, in comparison to our time devoted to “the most important thing in our lives,” it paints a powerful picture.
Take a moment to meditate on 1 John 2.15-17. What do these words mean? How serious is God about truly loving Him more than the world? Maybe the first place to begin is by defining the expression, “love the world or the things of the world.” Does this relate only to the “evil things” of the world? On the contrary, it deals with all things that are a part of this world that we may desire or take pride in for ourselves. If you allow me to put this idea in my own words, I would simplify it like this. Do you like doing the things of God more, or do you prefer worldly activities?
This passage causes us to examine our hearts. What are our passions in this world? What is the real message that we send to our children? I heard a speaker say something this past week that I want to pass on to you. “Children can spot hypocrisy miles away. And miles away from the Lord is where they are likely to end up when there is hypocrisy in the home.” It is a sobering thought. Please do not take it lightly. Let’s create homes that are Christ-centered in both word and action. I needed the reminder – maybe you do as well.