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