Embrace the Consequences

My imagination-filled four year old sits in time out.  I hear his hands clap shut as he quietly talks from the stair well. "Dear Jesus, can you help me to be good and to be kind so that I won't get any time outs or spanks.  Thank you.  Amen."  Then there is silence and I sit here contemplating the words to his prayer.  A prayer of repentance?  What was his motivation for that little prayer?

To escape the repercussions.

I know he is only four and hopefully with time he will learn.  At least it's a step in the right direction...  But my heart is saddened a bit.  How often do I go before the Lord and ask his forgiveness, or ask for his help, with the motive being that of a young child's?  I know what the Bible says is sin.  And yet, is this my heart?  I don't want to keep reaping these consequences, Lord.  Please help me to do better.  What happened to hiding His word in my heart that I might not sin against Him?  (Psalm 119:11)

Sin is grievous to the Lord.  Am I grieved because of my sin and the pain it causes my God?  Or do I view it as a mere "oops"?  How often I have heard my child say, "But I didn't mean it," as he tries to talk his way out of time out.  Frustration threatens to brim.  Self-teach, Kelsey.  Then child-teach.  My sin nature is just like his.

Eucharisteo
117.  ...for a time to teach life lessons. 


Do I try and talk my way out of the consequences my sin brings?  It's just another "oops".  Please have some mercy, Lord.  And then realization hits me once again.  His mercy permeates.  His gift has saved me from the worst possible consequence ever!

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death.  But the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

 I want to be refined.  I want to be like Him; to be brought back to the state in which I was created when sin didn't rule my nature... because I was made in His likeness.

Refine me, Lord.  I know the things I go through will refine me.  I know you will bring good from every situation.  Help me to be thankful for these times.  Keep me from falling into the trap of self-pity.  Show me what you have for me and keep me heavenly minded  Help me to embrace the consequences.