Sometimes simple words from our children can be so profound. ...and make you think.
In the car last night, on our way home, my sweet girl was verbally processing an activity she had just been at. To make a long story short, she had been involved in a friendly competition and her teammates, toward the end of the game, were encouraging each other to lie to the judges... so as to have a better chance to win. She herself had not lied; but, neither did she confront it. She was disappointed in her "standing by in silence". In fact, as she processed out loud, she was reminded of the lessons she had just learned at bible club. Apparently, they had just learned about lying-- including lying by remaining silent and letting other lie.
In agitation she said loudly, "It is hard when you know what is right!! We just learned about this and NOW I know it isn't right! They didn't know. I did. It is hard to know what is right... then you have all sorts of guilt when you don't do it!" Her outburst was full of frustration. She actually said, "It must be really hard when you get older, because then you know all sorts of stuff and you must have a lot of guilt!"
She was essentially saying, ... "AHH--Why did you tell me! If only I didn't know what was right. I just wish I didn't know that it was wrong to lie! That would be much easier!" Don't we all feel that way sometimes?
Sometimes I wish I just didn't know that it was wrong to... lie, gossip, [fill in the blank]
When you know truth and don't act on it... well, then your accountable! When you know what is right to do, and don't do it... just the act of not doing it (or doing it) is sin according to Scripture.
The Word tells us that those who are given more are accountable for more... So, my girl is right. She is "more accountable" in some way than those other girls who haven't been taught what is right and what is wrong. And, this can be a heavy burden. I feel it some times, too.
My husband is fond of saying that Christianity lived at anything less than 100% is just simply a miserable existence. When you live on the fence... or with less than your whole heart, well,... you are in for a world of hurt.
God wants our all. He wants all of me.
Love me, He says with ALL your heart... with ALL your mind and with ALL your soul.
So, my girl knew the pain last night of living less than fully devoted to Him,... and she felt it.
I do too, baby girl. Me, too... more often than I like to admit. And, the fact is, I do know. I know a lot. And what I know I am accountable to. What 'ya don't know, don't hurt 'ya... ...maybe?
But, for sure, what I do know will hurt sometimes!
"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)