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,
My friend, your Sunday post are always inspiring and give me much to ponder on. Wishing you blessings for the coming week.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
To err is human, right?
ReplyDeleteThe difference between focusing on God and focusing on this world.
ReplyDeleteI do love the lesson here about self-discipline. Something we all should do.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI'm always working on self-discipline.
Lee
Tossing It Out
lol can't say I've spanked myself, but yeah sure knew when i did wrong
ReplyDeleteA conscience is a very good thing :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless that little boy!
ReplyDeleteAt 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.
ReplyDeletebeautiful words and thoughts to live by :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful, inspiring words!
ReplyDeleteblessings.