OBEDIENCE RECOMMENDED

Children, obey your parents

in all things, for this is well

pleasing to the Lord.

Colossians 3:20

When a very little girl, I always knew when Christmas was around the corner. There was no hint of it to speak of. There was no big deal about all the gifts and trimmings until well into December. Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree didn't go up on a stool until sometime later and just before THE day. There was one program at church celebrating Christmas the Sunday evening before Christmas.

So how did a little girl have any big expectation about the holiday. I knew because I was usually asked two questions on the part of family members or close adult friends. One question had to do with what I wanted for Christmas. The next comment with many adults in my life would have to do with my behavior in past days and had I been minding (translated: obeying) my parents. That obedience thing seem to have a lot riding on how many and types of gifts I might receive on that exciting day.

It's odd to me and convicting as well that we have a lot to say about obedience as it relates to children. There seems to be an expectation for them that is off the table for adults. The verse I referred to in this blog is one of few in the Bible where children in particular are admonished to be obedient.

Incredibly, God's Word often speaks of a believers attention to obedience in appropriate areas just as with children and expectations of them in this area. Our obedience toward our Father is essential. We may not receive a trove of gifts at Christmas time for such obedience, but no matter, we are gifted every day from You, our loving Heavenly Father...no holiday necessary.

Thank You Father for the gift of Your Son through whom we are loved and given the gift of eternal life. Thank You for all You all bestow in our lives through Your love, protection and provision. You don't wait for holidays to gift us and we are grateful for Your presence constantly in our lives. In Jesus precious name...Amen