Waist-deep in Alligators

"If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35)

Can you imagine a family operating as a democracy with children having an equal vote with the parents? We know that such a situation would often lead to disaster. But, most children eventually become parents and must lead a family. Our goal as parents is to help our children accept Jesus as Lord, find wisdom, grow in knowledge and manifest genuine love.

Most of our teaching as parents will come from our example in how we relate to God, our wives, our children and to our neighbors. Are we under Jesus’ authority? Do we search for wisdom from God? Does my life have the light of God’s love shining out into the world? Recently, I was struck by the many flaws in my character, life and example. The realization of my self-centeredness and hardheartedness caused me to cry and sob.

It’s very possible to win the war of words while walking in the path of self-centeredness. In other words, we can generally justify our choices and actions to others but especially to our selves. A family can develop tremendous pressures and our response, as parents or spouse, to those pressures is critical. My response has not always been the best. Too often, I’ve failed to grasp the opportunity to be a servant to those in need.

If we are not consistently looking into the mirror of God’s Word and seeing our real character, needs and challenges, then we will naturally tend to walk in self deception. If you are choosing your leaders, choose carefully. If those who are our leaders are neglecting God’s Word or are failing to be changed by the Holy Spirit, then they will lead us into a swamp and we will end up waist-deep in alligators.

Project:
Let’s pray daily for our leaders or parents.
Let’s pray that God would reveal the needs of those under our authority or influence.
Let’s ask God to empower and guide us in how to help meet the needs.

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