Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
In the book of Exodus the Bible talks about God bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt and how they wondered in the wilderness for forty years on a journey that should have only taken eleven days. God provided for their every need. He kept their clothes, provided food, He protected them from sickness, and He led their way by day and night. He wanted them to make it to the promise land, however, because of their complaining and disobedience, an entire generation was wiped out and only the younger generation was able to make it into the land flowing with milk and honey. Now I know I left out a great deal of the story, but you can read it for yourself.
The point I am trying to make is this. The younger generation had a “Wilderness Experience” before they got to the “Promise Land;” the land that was flowing with milk and honey. However, they had to go and possess the land. That’s right; they had to fight for it. They had to trust God to do what He said He would do. My question to you is this, why do we try to deprive our children, “The next generation,” of their “Wilderness Experience?” Why do we feel the need to give our children everything that we never had? Why do we want to steal their testimony?
Now I understand wanting to give them a better education, clean clothes, food and a decent home to live in. I also understand putting aside money for their education and allowing them the opportunity to participate in certain activities that weren’t available to people of a certain race, income, or background. I also understand taking them to various places to experience life outside of their own circle. What I don’t understand is all this other stuff.
We have parents out here buying their children designer clothes and sneakers as well as rings and jewelry before they can even walk or talk; and the poor children will grow out of the clothes in a matter of weeks. They buy them the latest cell phones and purses, video games, even cars when they are toddlers and preteens. I’m not just talking about rich people; I’m talking about poor and middle class as well.
You also have these parents who take up for their children when they do something wrong or bail them out of everything they get themselves into instead of making them deal with the consequences of their actions. They do all of this, but they won’t bring them to church or Sunday school or anything that has to do with teachings about God. We won’t teach them to pray or read the Bible, but they can have any R rated video or CD to watch or listen to.
Unfortunately, these children will grow up not knowing what it is like to work hard for anything. Nor will they know the words “NO” or “Wait.” They will grow up thinking this is all life is about and that the world owes them something. The sad thing is when they are deprived of the lifestyle that they have become accustomed to, they’ll take drastic measures to obtain it. Some sell their bodies; marry for money, steal, or even kill to get it.
Unlike the children of Israel, who was being taught by Moses and their elders about the goodness and judgment of God, how they needed to appreciate what He provided and the consequences of disobedience and ungratefulness; this generation is being taught the “ATM, Microwave God,” and “The Santa Clause, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fair lies.” Tell me, what are you going to tell them when you are no longer able to provide for them and there is no spiritual foundation or teaching of Jesus on how you need to have faith and unwavering trust in the only true and living God? They should be told that their self-worth does not come from things, but their integrity.
Are they being told that manners and humility will take them farther than money ever will? Maybe, just maybe we won’t have all these crimes being committed. Maybe our daughters will keep their clothes on and get off of the poles and out of the videos, or our sons will pull up their pants and learn to read and want to be something other than a rap artist or a drug dealer. Maybe jail won’t be so attractive for “three hots and a cot.”
Trials and tribulations (problems) build charater. It helps us get closer to our Savior and in His Word. We are doing this next generation an injustice if we leave God out of their lives. Will they make it to the promise land, “Heaven?” Have we taught them whom they need in order to get there? We need to give them JESUS. The Bible says “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (Mat 6:19-20) and that only what we do for Christ will last. Then and only then we can ask them……”How Did You Feel When You Came Out The Wilderness?”
©Copyright 11/09
Ella D. Fleming
