Friday, March 13, 2015

Not just mere words



One of the first prayers that most of us learned growing up in a Christian home was what we called the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer we later learned was actually the model prayer which was taught by Jesus to His disciples. This prayer is still very relevant today and one that we should use to pattern the way in which we approach prayer. Most of us have become so familiar with the words of this prayer that we simple race through it without thinking about th...e words we are saying.

This prayer in case you forget is found in Mathew 6: 9-15 and begins with the words “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name”. Yes that’s the one I’m talking about. This entire prayer is profound, but I would like to focus our attention on verse 12. Here is what this verse says-“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors"

What does this verse means? Here are a couple interpretations. Father forgive me of all of my debts/trespasses/transgressions as I forgive the people who have transgressed or wronged me here is another way in which I interpret it. Lord the same way in which I refuse to forgive my children when they are disobedient and take me for granted, I want you to do the same with me when I do not do the things you ask and when I take you for granted. Father the same way in which I hold on to the grudge I have for my ex-husband for leaving me for another woman, is the same way in which I want you to remember the many times I left you to worship and admire other things and people instead of you.

Another interpretation that I have of this verse is this- Lord it is so hard to forgive and forget the many people who have wronged me over the years, but it is not worth holding on to un-forgiveness so with your help I choose to forgive them all, knowing that you will do the same for me as well.
Verse 14 explains very well, why we need to do this: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you”. I think this makes so much sense.

I realize that left to me I would choose who and what to forgive instead of extending forgiveness to everyone. So the next time you say the model – prayer remember to pay attention to the details, it will make a difference.

In His Service,

Vilma

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Narcissism or confirmation of the word of God?


As I was getting ready for work a couple of days ago I overheard a portion of the news, where the question was being asked if parents are creating narcissists by praising their children for everything and telling them that they are deserving of certain things. The report continued to say that parents who do so are creating children who will not accept "no" for an answer and will not be able to manage well in the real world.
 I do hear what they are saying, but I also think about those children who can never do anything good enough in the eyes of their parents, those who are told that they do not deserve a better life and that they are inferior to another sibling. What or who are we creating?  Are we creating children who have low self-esteem, not willing to try at anything because they already feel that they will fail?

Unfortunately I tend to see things according to the word of God. I believe that we should encourage and commend our children whenever they make an effort at doing something. I do believe that they should know that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.  I do believe that I should let them know that they are “above” and not “beneath”, that they are the “head” and not the tail”. I do want them to understand that what is within them is greater than what is in the world. I want them to know that it is not by might or by power that they do these things, but by the Spirit of the Lord. I do believe that God’s children are already victorious because Jesus Christ has already overcome the world. 

Who or what are we developing when we do this? I believe we are developing men and women who know exactly who they are in Christ Jesus and who will conduct themselves in a way pleasing to God. I believe we are developing children who will make a positive difference in the world. Children who will not be followers, but instead leaders, children who will not be looking for love in the wrong places; children who will not need a gun to make them strong or important, but will use the word of God as their sword.

In His Service,

Vilma