Maybe I am getting old but I have the desire to tell a story.
This past weekend we were in the car and my daughter says, "Mom tell me I can't watch
Life With Derek" Obviously I wanted to know why she wanted to have a rule saying she couldn't watch something. She had seen something that she considered inappropriate on there and wanted us to tell her not to watch it rather than moderating it herself. Now I realize that children need rules however if she lives her entire life looking for mom and dad to give her a list of do's and don’ts she is going to have problems. So we had a long talk about principles, self control, and doing what is right without a list of rules. I want her to grow up and be able to make wise decisions.
Why is it that the church wants to treat everyone like they are children. Not teaching folks to make godly decisions but rather go to the pastor for a list of what we can do, can't do, what to watch and what not to watch. Scripture teaches that one who is in Christ should have self control. Several people have made fun of the fact that people can drink and be self controlled. Is that not what Jesus did? Those who cannot control themselves should not condemn those who live a Christ like life and enjoy the very same things that he did. In the passage below drunkenness is listed as part of the sin nature but self control (not abstinence) is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.
Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks
self-control.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21and envy;
drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and
self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
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