Perhaps when the scriptures say “all things permissible, but not all profitable” this is to say that while any action which is not sin is scripturally allowed without eternal penalty, it is however less laudable than a narrow path. Thus, God has provided to us a broad allowance of lifestyle chooses, one which is rich with possibility for pleasure and even pain; are we than to be stricter than God himself? Should we not consider the liberal freedom which he has extended us and assure that of those we lead. We feel inclined to label anything which is not of the highest repute to be bad and thus forbidden. God instead chose to label that which was best of highest value and anything short as a mere cheating of yourself, by lovingly allowing us to experience this cheapening of our potential as is necessary, we learned to cling to his authority, not out of legalistic enslavement, but in fearful awe of his superior perspective and loving impartation of this wisdom through graceful direction. We than as leaders and parents should replicate the same model, if we are to foster a sense of urgency, this urgency must be motivated out of a fear of losing communion having tasted of it’s sweetness. We must allow freedom to explore even the painful depths of our younger believers, lest we trade passionate lust for God’s glory for a stifled faith which functions out of mere expectation. To require the lifestyle we were freely offered nullifies the joy it brings, accordingly one of the greatest disservices we can do to a new or unbeliever is to demand the narrow path which will only bring them discomfort absent the reward it can provide, with the proper motivation of a deeper regard for God’s compassionate design behind such action.
As a parent I hope to provide a lifestyle which precludes the exploration of sin without stifling my children’s ability to explore the extent of their innate desires. Thus, I will allow anything, which falls outside of the realm of sin, but through my life and the inclinations I will organize a household which focuses and observes the pleasures which can be derived from a much purer and higher calling; so as to elicit a desire for sustainable pleasures which come only through a fuller appreciation of God’s design.
In actions this can manifest itself many ways, for instance I hope to emphasize and be intentional to provide outlets of recreation, community and education which facility a greater appreciation of God’s plan for our lives. Through arranging my household with means of enjoyment which are above reproach I assure that if my children foster a Godly impulse for the life more narrowly defined, that they will not only be provided the means to explore this, but encouraged in such a pursuit. While leaving them the freedom they have been scripturally allowed, to explore the levels of depravity which may befall them. I see providing this allowance not an irresponsible oversight, but a necessary provision that to some youth must be offered, lest they mourn their freedom before having tasted the sweetness of God’s gracious provision for their life.
Centralizing God’s imposition in our life we no longer focus on the boundaries which we may be inclined to build. Instead we find ourselves so motivated by the joy we reap from a life of high repute that we become so enamored with God’s provision that to entertain anything less seems a breach of this communion and is thus while perhaps immediately attractive, is ultimately detrimental to the communion we relish. Thus, with our eyes affixed to our provider, we no longer see the world in the contrast of good and bad (speaking of permissible paths), but of temporary and sustainable, unsatisfying and fulfilling, good and best. It is not that entertaining a lesser path enters us into a realm of condemnation and chastisement, but more importantly that in every moment we find our satisfaction beyond communion with our Lord, we preclude ourselves of the only pleasure of substance which assures sustainable satisfaction. Robbing ourselves the most important opportunity, to commune with the Lord of the universe who assures peace which surpasses all understanding.
As a parent I hope to provide a lifestyle which precludes the exploration of sin without stifling my children’s ability to explore the extent of their innate desires. Thus, I will allow anything, which falls outside of the realm of sin, but through my life and the inclinations I will organize a household which focuses and observes the pleasures which can be derived from a much purer and higher calling; so as to elicit a desire for sustainable pleasures which come only through a fuller appreciation of God’s design.
In actions this can manifest itself many ways, for instance I hope to emphasize and be intentional to provide outlets of recreation, community and education which facility a greater appreciation of God’s plan for our lives. Through arranging my household with means of enjoyment which are above reproach I assure that if my children foster a Godly impulse for the life more narrowly defined, that they will not only be provided the means to explore this, but encouraged in such a pursuit. While leaving them the freedom they have been scripturally allowed, to explore the levels of depravity which may befall them. I see providing this allowance not an irresponsible oversight, but a necessary provision that to some youth must be offered, lest they mourn their freedom before having tasted the sweetness of God’s gracious provision for their life.
Centralizing God’s imposition in our life we no longer focus on the boundaries which we may be inclined to build. Instead we find ourselves so motivated by the joy we reap from a life of high repute that we become so enamored with God’s provision that to entertain anything less seems a breach of this communion and is thus while perhaps immediately attractive, is ultimately detrimental to the communion we relish. Thus, with our eyes affixed to our provider, we no longer see the world in the contrast of good and bad (speaking of permissible paths), but of temporary and sustainable, unsatisfying and fulfilling, good and best. It is not that entertaining a lesser path enters us into a realm of condemnation and chastisement, but more importantly that in every moment we find our satisfaction beyond communion with our Lord, we preclude ourselves of the only pleasure of substance which assures sustainable satisfaction. Robbing ourselves the most important opportunity, to commune with the Lord of the universe who assures peace which surpasses all understanding.