"Disrespect and Disobedience"

Recently I entertained a thought about the process of raising children and all that it entails.  As a result of these thoughts I began to ponder the various challenges we have when raising our kids or even children that belong to others.  As parents, teachers and care givers, there is always some issue that we have to endure, today I want to shine some light on two of them.

DISOBEDIENCE

Any parent knows that various levels of disobedience is normal!  This is where we test the boundaries of rules and authority, we see if there really is a limit to what we can do.  It is seen when we touch something intentionally after we are told not to, or when we purposely step over a line that has been drawn. As adults we have to admit that we ourselves have been found in places of disobedience when we were growing up.   Disobedience is an underlying issue in our society, our prisons are full of folks that disobeyed the laws of the land.  But the funny thing about disobedience is that it can be fixed.  Obedience is still an option when you have been caught in error.  Though you may still have to endure a few consequences, it is understood that your actions can change.   The bible says that obedience is greater than sacrifice, God would rather we obey Him than to try and impress Him.  All the things we do from day to day that we believe is impressive, it is not to God if we are still in realms of disobedience. . 

DISRESPECT

When dealing with disrespect, it looks different than disobedience even though it might involve some.   When you don't respect someone, their words can seem humorous to you.  You have no feeling of disappointing them by your actions or your words.  You really don't care.   I have found recently that if I had a choice of which to have to endure, I would rather it be disobedience!  We unknowingly teach disrespect to our children as a coping mechanism for battling authority figures that may misuse their power.   We often tell our children that NO ONE should tell them what to do, or we choose complete groups of people (like law enforcement) to target so that our children will not be naive to the ways of the few that do wrong.  This can cause a natural tone of disrespect for not just law enforcement, but for authority as a whole, and that becomes a recipe for dysfunction.

It has become increasingly difficult for people,men especially, to volunteer to work with children and youth nowadays  because our society is dripping with disrespect. 

WHEN IT COMES TO GOD...

God expects obedience from His kids.  But if we disobey God we will have consequences, and those consequences may cause us to examine our ways and realize that His ways are always best.  As a result, it can make us consider Him more as we grow in Him and can help us choose better in life.  Sincere repentance and turning from our ways  is the plan that God put in place to deal with  our wayward ways.  Repenting and turning is always a way to get back in good standing with God after our moments of disobedience.

But when it comes to disrespect, that sounds a bit like blasphemy.  Having disrespect for God leaves us making jokes and saying things that minimize who He is and shows a lack of faith or knowing who exactly He is.  The bible says that He will not always strive with man, and I believe that disrespect is one of those things that causes Him to turn His face.  See, God does not require RESPECT per se, He is God all by Himself and how we think of Him does not affect His glory, it does not change His power.  What it does do is show that we really don't know Him.   I am careful as to how I talk to God in my personal prayer time. Though I am very honest and true to our conversations, I often will speak what I am thinking and literally tell Him what I don't mean to imply when asking Him something.  God is not moved by our honesty with Him, He wants that.  What I believe we should be aware of is a tone of disrespect.  The bible says that those that go to God must believe that He is and that He is a Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.  That requires faith, and respect.

So in conclusion, when it comes to kids... you don't know what thing they may struggle with, but our patience and time can work through it. Personally, I would rather deal with disobedience, than disrespect.  One is just easier to overcome.