So the other night, we were at a themed party.
My wife and I had travelled in a 2nd car so my older 4 children who had gone early (to help) could stay later.
We said goodbye to our older children around 10pm, left the house and stared to walk the 1/2km to where our car was parked. As we walked across the park, a number of silhouette figures appeared, walking towards us.
I wasn’t fearful, but prepared for a number of scenarios that may happen: I would protect my wife & young children no matter what.
But as the 4 people approached, I recognised the tallest one: it was one of my sons!?
My initial thoughts were all negative, I mean *what on earth* was he (/they) doing out here – away from the party and parental supervision?
This is *not* what we had envisaged when we said you could stay later! My mind instantly assumed the worst, the reaction? Mild anger…
“What are you doing out here”
I was NOT prepared for the answer… (delivered as he hugged me & said goodnight):
“this girl was worried, it was a long walk, so we escorted her to her car…”
??! Why oh why does my mind sink so quickly to depravity – to the way I used to be – always imagining the worst? It wasn’t even in the realm of possibilities that these young men could be out here doing good – doing what God would want them to.
Why can’t it become normal to me that 4 young men, at 16-18 years old, would actually desire to honour their their parents and protect the innocence (& fear) of a young woman?
It’s simple really: it is *not* normal…
Human nature, left unchecked, is to pursue selfish desires, what feels good and has no regard for rules or the desires of a parent. It will also degrade to the point where a vulnerable girl becomes prey, not someone made in the image of God to be protected or served.
No matter how much teaching, training, persuasion or coercion, many will still see prey or a pay day even if they know it is wrong. Some would even argue they have no option, no ability to fight the urges. The epidemic of abuse against is wise-spread, even among those who have been taught clearly it is wrong, devastating to the victim and the punishments are harsh. (not as harsh as Ithnk they should be: I personally think that sexual assault against a minor should result in a life hard labour or death).
Mentally knowing something is wrong is *rarely* enough to evoke restraint, there needs to be a change of mind, heart and spirit. And that is something only Jesus can do.
Not religion, not programs, not counselling, not psychiatry, not drugs, not self help groups, not will power, not withdrawal, not threat of imprisonment, but an actual change of heart.
I know, because cause I used to do a *lot* of stuff my brain knew was bad, evil, wrong and damaging… but I didn’t care. Sure I would try to not cross certain lines, I knew *logically* that this was bad, but when I wanted gratification, was triggered or thought I deserved it, my thoughts / actions were evil.
I am *so* grateful, that:
– God would be willing to forgive me (not because I deserved it or did anything ‘good’, but because Jesus paid for every sin I did , do or will)
– He has enabled me to seek forgiveness from those who I have wronged.
– He would be available to those I wronged, to help them heal & know their worth
– He would somehow, by extraordinary power, completely reverse the trajectory of my wife AND THEN
– Captivate the hearts of my children so they *want* to do what is right before God.
Far more than religion, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. All purchased by what jesus did on the cross NOT what you do (or any one else does!).
Amazing.
#thankYouJesus