Day 93 - Preserved for the better "yes"
Scripture focus: And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Titus 2:12(a) NLT
The fastest way to grow a stone heart is to live under prolonged seasons of stress. Stress does nasty things to the body - and the soul. Last night my husband was out of town, leaving only two of us home for dinner. I haven't yet grasped the concept of cooking for two. Lunch leftovers meant I was set - but what was my hungry boy going to eat when he came home from lacrosse practice? He thought fast food sounded perfect.
It's perfectly normal for an adolescent to long for super sized fries and a burger or two after a long, hard day of school and sports. He has absolutely no incentive to think beyond the choice of the moment. Still young and active, no love handles remind him to consider healthier eating choices. Yearly physicals continue to affirm his assumption that he's healthy as a horse (thankfully). His brain hasn't yet fully formed his pre-frontal cortex, thereby making it neurologically impossible to consider concepts like: mortality, aging, and clogged arteries. So when I suggest stir fry or roasted chicken leftovers - this kid is naturally going to prefer the quick fix fast food alternative. When I say "No!" - he hears that I'm withholding the good life. What I am really saying is, "I want you to live a long and healthy life. Someday I want to hand you off to a lovely wife; and I want you to be healthy and whole."
God designed us for passionate living - within the parameters of his definition of "the good life." Sometimes that requires us to say - "No!" - to things that are godless or sin soaked (sin - living independently of God). When we live independently of God (sin) - it stresses us out. It hurts our brain and hardens our heart. God doesn't say "no" to withhold the good life. When he says - "No!" - what he's really saying is, "If you make this choice, you are not going to have the opportunity to pursue a better choice - a choice that will not only stimulate your mid-brain with a jolt of pleasure, but will instead fill your heart, mind and soul with delight." God says "no" in order to preserve us for the better "yes."
That's why we're instructed to turn from certain hurts, habits and hang-ups. It's a necessary step in a long process of transformation that leaves us with strong bodies and big hearts - fully prepared for the abundant life God has set before us.
Recommended reading: Deuteronomy 21 and 22 in the morning; Luke 10 and Psalm 74 in the evening
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