“Trust me. I’ll stop….”
“No really. This time I’ll….”
“I’ve learned my lesson. I mean it this time…”
We all have something to fill in those blanks.
Good ideas. Great plans. We gain clarity and fresh energy about doing what’s right until….
I read about the people from Joshua’s life who had a history of abandoning God. They grew distracted. They became attracted to the next best thing, the next favorites.
Distraction caused the Israelites to lose traction and their world was turned upside down. I encourage you to read Joshua’s adventure story in the bible.
Sometimes, I judge myself based on other people’s struggle and success. When my husband and I raised our now 33-year-old son, we watched our friends parent differently than we did. Some of them used the 1-2-3 timeout method to get their child to do, or not do, what was appropriate.
They’d say, “1.…” Long pause. “2…” A warning look, maybe a raised eyebrow.
From prior situations, their child learned that consequences followed the number two. I’d watch them wait in that chasm of decision.
It became a silent standoff between parent and child. Based on the outcome, I’d internally agree or disagree based on my point of reference. Sadly, my judgment can be moody.
Like God’s kids in Joshua’s account, I lack commitment in certain areas. I say, or try to do, the most loving thing and then become attracted to something or distracted by someone else. A fresh project. A newfound friendship. The first week on a job.
I find myself saying, “With this new thing, I’ll…” or “I mean it. This plan will help me…” Distraction leads to loss of traction.
If I want to teach consistency, I need to carry out set consequences. We gain a sense of security when we can trust leaders, managers, teachers, each other. We learn to depend on each other when we follow through on their established guidelines. It’s vital we show our world that we carry out our good promises, even if it seems like we’re a minority. Will we commit or split?
Love God. Love people. In that order. Four simple words. Many complex actions.
1….2…. Will I commit or split?
God, thank you for your patience, especially when I test your gracious mercy. Help me actively show love to all, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Distraction leads to loss of traction. When I become split, help me recommit. Thank you that I can trust Your consistent promises.
Diving from the FROG Blog, one committed move at a time,
Christina
Reader. Your turn!
What area of your life causes you to repeatedly struggle?
How do you get yourself back on track when you’ve lost traction?
Please leave your comments so we can be stronger together.
But the people said to Joshua, “No!” We will serve the Lord.” …” Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him” (Joshua 24:21, 23-24).