I am sitting at home this week. I got to meet a few friends again. One really got me with his story. He’s really made some decisions that weren’t the best. The other friend is somewhat on his way. I can’t help but admit that the first had searched for some inspiration and guidance and has maybe found it now, but his search has taken him to places he never should have been (where no one should be for that matter). But grace has found him and he is being pointed in the right direction. My other friend has had guidance and although he has come a long way as in making a great deal of money, he has been quite successful as far as following the guidance of our Lord. It is interesting to see the comparison and contrast.

I see that both contrast on the note of guidance. I’ve heard some friends talk about how cool a parent was for letting kids do whatever they wanted. I have seen people scorned for trying to show kids some sort of boundary. I have heard people say that they don’t want to tell their kids what they need to do. I can’t help be disagree with them. I’ve met these kids who have no boundaries or live a life with no boundaries, and they are many of the times impatient and annoying to everyone. They have no sense of how to survive in relationships, and even when they do, they act miserable. I have to say that history teaches us that kids are in need of guidance. Granted, not just any kind of guidance, good guidance that teaches them that they are not alone in the world and that they should treat all the world with respect and love. To the parents who teach that, thanks. To the kids who have been taught this, you’ll be thankful.

The other part I want to note is that both don’t have all the answers. Both conversations made that quite clear. Both told me stuff that they made mistakes on. They told me that they didn’t know it all, and I gave them a two cents worth but encouraged them to keep up the search for what is better.

So don’t be afraid to tell people that they should or should not do something. It’s our responsibility to show what God has taught us is good. If we see someone living contrary to Christian living, and they are Christian, then we should say something. If they are not Christian, don’t sweat over what they are doing wrong. But the fellow believers are family. Make sure that it is not just opinion, but truly what brings about good things. If you say not to meddle in anything, I say that you are very naive. God spoke through Moses, Samuel, the other Prophets, Peter, and Paul. Even Jesus worked this way. They did not say something that was moral opinion, but what was the core of God’s word (which is not necessarily the Bible, but more so His will).

WAKE UP.

Being a moderate in everything, this is something I have to take heart as a challenge myself. Hope it speaks to someone.

Grace and Peace