Some people seek God’s will as if it’s an answer from a Magic 8 ball:
- What is the right college for me?
- God, should I take this job?
- Is this one Mr/ Ms Right?
- Does “he loves me, he loves me not”?
A Model Parent
But, as I learn to be a parent, I have come to see that my relationship with God is like that of a parent with small children who are learning to play with other kids.
The parent gives the children a few basic rules:
- Play nice (no hitting, biting, hurting, etc.)
- Don’t run into the street, and
- Stay where I can see you.
And the kid’s job is to play.
The kid’s job is to explore and experience their universe, i.e. to seek out new worlds and new civilizations,
(oops, wrong story.)
Yes, the kid’s job is to play.
- Play teaches about relationship, friendship, co-operation.
- Play grows character, determination, perseverance.
- Play stretches boundaries, encourages growth, develops selfhood.
The parent doesn’t say:
- The only way for you to play today is hopscotch, or T-ball, or jump rope.
Rather, any of these games are ok.
As long as the kids:
- Play nice (no hitting, biting, etc.),
- Don’t run into the street, and
- Stay where I can see you.
God as a Model Parent
I think God is like that parent.
We are like little kids.
We are His children after all.
6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6 NASB
I think He says:
- Play nice (The Ten Commandments, etc.),
- Don’t run into the street (Don’t run into sin, temptation, evil), and
- Stay where I can see you. (Which, because God is omniscient, all-seeing, really means “Stay where you can see Me.”)
Play Time with God
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:1-21 NASB
The way we live our lives here on earth is our choice.
We have free will.
We can choose what we want.
We can do what we want.
God Gives us Freedom
God wants us to enjoy that freedom.
But God wants us to choose to become more like His Son, Jesus, the Christ.
God doesn’t give us directions to our lives like you get directions to a new friend’s house.
You know – like, go 3 miles, turn left at the 2nd light, take the 3rd right, etc.
As if that’s the only way to get there.
And we must go that way.
No, it’s more like God gives us a street atlas (the Bible).
And He says,
“Here’s a guide book. It’s got some maps, places to see, things to do.
“I’d like you to come visit Me, to come live with Me. But stop and smell the roses, see the sights along the way. I’ve made them just for you.
“I’ve marked the best route to Me.
“It’s straight, a little narrow, maybe.
“If you stray off the Way, or are lost, just give Me a call.
“But enjoy the trip.
“Oh, and by the way, be sure to carefully pick the people coming along with you.
“They can make your trip (life) a good one or a not-so-good one.
“And it might be a good idea to caravan with others going the same way (other believers). In case you have trouble, there would be someone nearby to help out. To help you bear your burdens, so to speak.
“Don’t be afraid to meet new people along the way. And ask them to join you. In fact, I’d really like you to do that. Especially lost ones.
“Remember to check your map (Bible) often, every day if you can. And call me anytime, even just to talk.
“Have a great trip.
“Keep in touch.
“Remember always, “I love you.”
Have you had God’s Play Time today?
Have you opened up your atlas, your map book (Bible), ready for your next adventure?
I’d love to hear about your latest exploration.
Tell me about in the comment box!
Blessings,
TLThomas
It’s ok to doubt, if you check it out!
Be a Berean!
10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:10, 11 ESV
Please join me in this journey of discovery.
- Leave a comment, or ask me a question.
- Share this blog with others, whether they are doubting, or not.
- Take what I say and CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF!
© TLThomas 2018