by Linda Sedrick Pearson

Do you have rebellious children? Or maybe it is just one child that gives you problems. It seems like no matter how nice, no matter how many times you threaten, the child will not listen. There were times when you tried talking, begging, and pleading with this child to stop the bad behavior. That did not work.

Next, you tried some minor discipline. That could range from a light spanking to the child being confined to her room. The child showed no change afterward. As a matter of fact, you think that the more you discipline, the worse the child gets. That is really not the case. It just appears to be so. What is really happening is that, as the child gets older, she is given more freedom to make choices on her own.

You want a peaceful and loving relationship with your child. It would bless you if your child would take time every day to talk with you about her day, share her hopes and dreams, tell you about her friends, other family members, and loves. You would even like for her to tell you about her hurts and pains, rejections by others, and concerns. It has never happened, but you have not lost hope that the child will make the conscious choice to do these things.

You know that if the child would choose to have this kind of relationship with you, you both will be blessed. You never stop trying until finally the child is an adult with a family of her own. You keep trying to have a close relationship – maybe harder than ever – because now it is not only your child involved. You now have a son-in-law (or daughter-in-law) and grandchildren. You want a relationship – a loving relationship – with them too. You keep trying. You give of yourself, your love, your finances until you are broke physically, emotionally, and financially.

The child, now that you have nothing left to give without the child giving back informs you that she wants nothing to do with you. She informs you that she is tired of you “butting” into her life and just wants to be left alone.

You tell your adult child that because you love her, you will not push yourself on her. You also warn her to please not wait too long to decide to have a relationship with you. You will always love her, but you will not push a relationship on her that she does not want.

Did you know this is how God deals with each of us – his children? He desires a loving relationship with each of us. He waits for you to talk to him daily. He wants to teach you through his word and through a relationship with you. He wants you to tell him your hurts, hopes,dreams, and about your relationships with others. He disciplines you at times, hoping you will straighten up and realize how much he loves you. He keeps trying until eventually you tell him that you don’t want a relationship with him.

You tell God that you are tired of him “butting” into your life. You are tired of him “bothering” you. You don’t acknowledge any of the blessings and love he has given you throughout the years. You want God to step back and leave you alone.

It breaks God’s heart, but he grants your request. He will never force himself on anyone – on any of his children. He asks you to not wait too long because one of two things can happen:
1. You may die without ever accepting the relationship God desires to have with you.
2. You continue to reject God until he turns his back on you.

Stop rejecting God. Run to his open arms right now!

Scriptures for Study
Romans 1:28-32 reprobate mind
Romans 8:5-9 carnal mind is enmity against God
1 Timothy 6:3-5 men of corrupt minds
James 1:2-8 a double-minded man