Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Simple but profound...


When my wife and I went into our little boy’s room tonight we discovered that he had placed several small objects into one of the electrical outlets. My immediate response was to launch into what I like to call a “high-energy motivational instruction session” or what my wife affectionately calls “screaming at the kids”.

I was doing my best to help the boy remember never to do that again when he suddenly burst out “I JUST CAN’T HELP IT!”

He often responds to chastisement this way because though he has the desire to do the right thing, the wrong thing is just too appealing. Before I could respond to his dilemma with a three point sermon on self control, my wife interjected with a simple but profound solution.

She said:
“If you feel like you want to do something wrong, come and get me and I’ll help you find something better to do”

I was taken aback at how simple, and at the same time, how Christ-like her solution was. This is the same kind of advice we are given in the book of James for when we are tempted.

James 4:7-8a
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts…

We are all kind of like a little kid sometimes. The desire to do good is in us, but we succumb to the appeal of sin.

Next time I am enticed by the appeal of sin I think I will follow my wife’s advice:
I’m going to call on God and he will help me and show me something better to do.

Man, I love that woman.

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

3 comments:

Mrs. Carr said...

we love her too!

Blair Bunch said...

Your wife seems fantastic, you are very lucky to have her! You should buy her something expensive, or at least some fresh flowers!!

Jace said...

Hey Ray, this isn't about the subject but can you shoot me a quick email, if you dont care, so I have your email addy. I have a question for you. jhills@nal.com

Thanks,
Jace