Sunday Reflection: It’s not always easy to be good.

When my son was around four years old, he misbehaved. I can’t remember what he did, but I do remember, I didn’t think it warranted anything other than telling him not to do “it” again. No punishment, from me. No scolding. No sequestering him to his bedroom, from me. And yet my son was so upset with himself, for misbehaving, that he spanked himself. Trying not laugh, I told him to stop that and pulled him into my lap to talk about his reaction.
We don’t have to beat ourselves up when we make mistakes; forgiving ourselves is a must.  But self-discipline should also be our goal. Doing wrong against others (and ourselves) brings complications--more chaos, less peace, to our lives.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8: 5-8 (NIV)  (emphasis mine)

Blessings to you on this day,
Teresa


Scripture Source: Holy Bible, NIV, www.BibleGateway.com 

Comments

Mason Canyon said…
My friend, your Sunday post are always inspiring and give me much to ponder on. Wishing you blessings for the coming week.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Anonymous said…
To err is human, right?
The difference between focusing on God and focusing on this world.
I do love the lesson here about self-discipline. Something we all should do.
Arlee Bird said…
I've struggled with this frequently in my life. Especially when I was younger I succumbed to my fleshly desires much more than I should have and more than once paid consequences I had rather not have had to deal with. I didn't need to spank myself because the result of my wrongdoing was plenty of punishment.

I'm always working on self-discipline.

Lee
Tossing It Out
Pat Hatt said…
lol can't say I've spanked myself, but yeah sure knew when i did wrong
Jemi Fraser said…
A conscience is a very good thing :)
Susan Kane said…
God bless that little boy!
Dewena said…
At 70 years of age I feel that I should not still be struggling with "beating myself up." And yet there are times when I do, recalling sins and failures of my youth. When I pause to ask myself where it is coming from, I know it is not coming from God, who long ago forgave me.
Lynn Proctor said…
beautiful words and thoughts to live by :)
Betty Manousos said…
beautiful, inspiring words!

blessings.

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