So, I was having a "dude chat" with my two sons last night. It was a really cool time where I removed the proverbial "dad hat" and just hung out with these two awesome fellas who are growing up WAY too fast. Each of us were sharing things from our hearts that trouble us, hurt our feelings, and different ways we deal with the pressures of life. The conversation was spurred on as I’ve been reading this book called "Better Dads, Stronger Sons", written by Rick Johnson, over the last few days or so. The contents of the book really has me thinking. I will say that I learned a while back that reading a book is good, but the content needs to be viewed through the word of God. If certain ideas or thoughts don’t line up with God’s word, then those portions are "take it or leave it."
One point that I focused on last night was the connection between respecting others and serving others. Unlike what many of the social media platforms seem to impress on us, it is completely possible to respect someone without agreeing with their life choices. Each of God’s children are called to go out and make disciples and part of that is living a life that is a reflection of Christ’s example. Jesus ate with and hung out with sinners, people who were living in sin and against God’s laws, but Jesus didn’t let others’ sins keep him from showing them compassion and love. He looked beyond the sin, into the hearts/souls of those who surrounded him. That doesn’t mean he agreed with their way of life. I mean, he laid his life down for ALL OF US! Even before we knew the heavenly Father. So the question I posed to my boys was something like this: "Can you serve others in a manner that is reflective of Christ’s example without respecting them?" Immediately, I saw the gears in their heads start to turn. I could tell they were really thinking about this concept, trying to make sense of it, and how it applied to how they serve their family. We chatted a little more and I just encouraged them to think about it for the next day or so until I can read some more of the book. (I’m an extremely slow reader.) They both seemed pretty excited about our next "dude chat." I’m pretty excited about it too.
What are your thoughts on this idea? My only guidance on this idea about respecting others is this… We will NEVER look into the eyes of a man/woman/child, that God doesn’t love unconditionally, whether they love Him back or not.
If you ever need prayer, you can reply to this email or catch the Prayer Requests – Prodigals group on Facebook. You are loved and prayed for, my friends.
Photo Credit: ARTEM PODREZ
~PRODIGAL MIKE
Prodigal Thinker 