My husband and I are blessed with rambunctious kids who needed guidance and discipline, so it was a small wonder that we had many occasions for creative time-outs. They lived and learned that “with great freedom comes great responsibility” and we learned that rich experiences shape rich character.
‘ 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.’
-Hebrews 5:8
Our ability to execute obedience comes only when we have free will. When we are put in situations that are tempting, demand judgement calls. In other words, we need to embrace trials to grow closer to God. Tough situations call for hard decisions. As kids we put ourselves in situations that were not good for us, and we came out the other end as obedient kids or the ones in the time out zone.
‘4 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.’
-Hebrews 5:14
I am not saying that we seek out trouble like my boy did. But I am suggesting that you hang onto our loving God always. The one thing my son did right was always seek out my husband. It tuned us to ensure that we were always alert and ready to help. If he was going to grab life by its horns (as he still does), he was locked in on his dad to ask for help if needed. His phone calls always greeted me with, “Where is Dad?”
Experience life and rejoice in the trials and tribulations. My understanding of Hebrews 5 is that we show obedience in face of trouble, we are open to whatever is thrown are way. We execute good judgement by seeking out God to guide us through the situation. Not ask that it be miraculously changed but that we grow by ‘reason of use’.
God has our best interest, if He wants us to grow and is there to back us up, should we not execute our freedom with responsibility? Lock eyes on Jesus and jump in with both feet. God Bless you!
Dear Lord,
Give me openness to venture into the world of faith, knowing that You will always have my back. Teach me to align my will with Yours and grow closer to You through both trials and tribulations. I ask in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen.