Remember what matters

Wise words from the hubby once again...

"Look out for your brother and for your love. Five years from now this game won't matter, but your relationship with your brother will."-Sean

Seana and Joeby were outside playing with a neighbor. Joeby came inside very angry and hurt. (cue slight sarcastic tone) Since this is such a rare occurrence (end overtones), it is truly a wonder Sean had anything in mind to say in leading their hearts.

Side rant about LEADing: It really takes serious effort and desire to LEAD hearts and not just boss or force or dictate. To truly LEAD is to recognize in our own hearts where we  may be a culprit in behaviour or speech or attitude. Where we ourselves have left the path to wander the highways. If we want to be able to LEAD them, then our own hearts, by way of introspective and self analyzing humility, grace and acceptance of truth must first be willing to go back to the narrow path toward love and life! It's funny to me sometimes people say following Jesus, my Lord and God or Biblical morality is so restrictive and imprisonating, yet to me, I find it liberating! The Bible says the truth will set us free and it is for freedom Christ set us free! He came that we might have life and life abundant! He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it! His law gives liberty because it teaches us a way of righteousness which brings deep and abiding peace and joy. He knows we are not perfect/faultless and that we would struggle to consistently walk in it--so Jesus covers my sins and leads me in grace back up when I fall down. So how can we expect our children to want to follow what we say if we aren't also living out our convictions too? So parents, we must press in and we must lead our hearts toward Him and toward accepting His truths! Whatever we have to do to get our hearts at a place of inviting truth in, we must keep doing so. MANY wise counselors, not only one.

Back to my point: "Look out for your brother and for your love. Five years from now this game won't matter, but your relationship with your brother will."-Sean

So I ask you, who is the "brother" in your life--friend, sister, uncle, grandparent, husband, wife, co worker, boss?? And what is the "game" you've let come between that relationship? Is it jealousy? Anger? Lies? Lust? Greed? Hatred? Bitterness? Strife? Or maybe more simply, an argument, a disagreement, a hurt left unattended, miscommunication, unforgiveness??

This season especially, may I admonish us, myself included, to remember what matters!

John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.