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Do As I Say, Not As I Do Does Not Work!
May 28, 2024
Hey Clawson Family!
Song:
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:29 New Living Translation
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 6:1-3 New Living Translation
6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”[b]
1 Timothy 4:12 New Living Translation
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Devotional:
One of the questions asked by a youth student was:
me then why is it ok for them? Or is it ok for them? If it is wrong then it is wrong for both of us right?
Let's talk about words for a minute. What does the bible say about words, are there bad words and good words. Where did the list of taboo words, curse words, perverted words come from?
The bible says “Don’t use foul or abusive language.” So, Now you have to ask the question: who decides what words are foul and abusive? Words can be super hard! So, what you have to do in order to not use foul or abusive language is really to know and respect the culture that you are in. In America there are really common foul words. We call them four letter words. It is so much in our culture that you get in trouble at school for saying these words. Most people recognize these words as foul words. But then how about the fact that there are other words that are debatable. Like Crap, or Freakin, Dangit. Who decides if those words are foul or not.
Or what about this challenge in different cultures words change. Did you know that the Ass, Damnation, and Pisseth are all in the KJV of the bible. So probably not foul in the culture that wrote that. Or how about this the F word is not a foul word in Australia and is the most foul word here, but in England you should never say bloody. Like Bloody Mate.
Why are we dealing with all of this, because you should recognize and respect the culture that you are in, and if words are foul and abusive in that culture then whether you view the word as foul or not, because your intentions should always be to reach people for Jesus you should not use those words.
Do what I say, not what I do does not work. Another question from a youth student.
Why should I obey my parents when they don’t live out what they say they believe?
In Matthew 23:1-5, Jesus tells the people that the Pharisees and Sadducees teach the right things; the commands of the Lord they just don’t live out what they teach. So, do what they say, but don’t follow their example.
So first of all I want to say if your parents are teaching you the right things, but they are not living it out, you should obey them because what they are saying is right. Secondly I want you to know that in the bible God says that he will bless those who obey their parents.
You obey your parents because that is what God has asked of you, and because that is you being a witness of God and his work in you to them. The question has been asked multiple times to me what if your parents ask you to do something that goes against God. like go steal a gallon of milk, or lie to your teacher about where you were. In that scenario you should tell your parents that your allegiance is to God, and that he would not be ok with you doing what they ask of you.
Journal:
In your journal today take an assessment of your obedience to God. What will it take to fully obey God in all areas of your life? Are their areas that you expect one thing from your children but you don’t meet that expectation yourself?
Training:
Dear Lord, search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me, and then, lead me on paths of righteousness. Help me to lead by example
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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