The Word Works!
from T. Adam McFaddin
Online Devotional - Week #74

Don't forget to check the upcoming calendar of events.

Their childlike movements caught my attention as I sat patiently in my car waiting for the light to change. Somewhat awkward hands flung around in the air, while knocking knees bent in a jumping manner. Her ponytails danced as she laughed, and his arms were bent with fists moving forward and backwards like a soldier marching in place. Nothing can ever take the place of the vision of children playing. I smiled thinking of my own childhood. My grandmother was famous for saying that every child was entitled to a childhood.

Watching them more closely, I realized that there were no adults close by. This struck me as odd, seeing how I was driving down a busy commercial street. Furthermore, they were playing at the edge of a parking lot close to the sidewalk placing them only feet away from fast moving traffic. I was now a bit more concerned for their safety more so than watching the enjoyment twinkling in their eyes. The light had yet to change, so I remained caught up in their world. Honestly, these children were having a complete blast! She looked around seven years old, and he was about five years old. Spinning, laughing and hitting each other captivated them in the afternoon sun.

Yes, it seemed like eternity, but my light finally changed which would mean the show would have to be over. Driving forward, however, I was able to get a better view of their activity. My eyes made my face turn towards the left so as to not miss a final glimpse. What? This was a trip! When I pulled up, I saw that they were trampling tall purple flowers and lush green plants in the landscaping around the parking lot. With a better view, the stems and branches of beautiful flowers were being bent in half as purple petals fell on the dirt and small shoes force them further into the soil.

My eyebrows were completely scrunched together with no view of parents or guardians close by. Finally, I realized I could not stare at them all day. Shaking my head, I had one prevailing thought. It was sadly funny but ... if those children were confronted about their actions, they would swear they were simply playing! But if an adult had to describe their actions, they would swear these children were being destructive ... no matter how fun it seemed!

So the question of the week for you is this: are you playing or being destructive? Come on, be honest! Often times we get caught up in the moments of our "stuff" and don't count our activity as destructive but playful. But what are you trampling under foot? Perhaps your actions (which may appear trivial) are crushing your own or someone else's heart, feelings, self-esteem, confidence, future or walk with Christ.

There comes a time when we honestly have to own up to our actions. Once the play period was over, those children would be leaving behind vegetation and plant life dead and crushed. If there was any maturity within their hearts, they'd see the sensitivity of the plant ... perhaps notice it's beauty and watch from afar knowing that it wasn't a place to play. If there had been a mature person close by, they'd have someone to point this out to them. Such is the tragedy of our immaturity. If we are not yet mature in the Word of God, we need to have mature believers speaking into our life offering godly counsel; or we need to possess that maturity within ourselves to keep our actions from being destructive.

So once again I ask you: are the actions of your life playful in your own estimation; nevertheless, if they were examined by a mature Christian, would they be considered destructive towards yourself or another? If this is the case, you need to consider putting away childish things from your life. Maybe you are not the "child" in this scenario but the mature person close by. If you see a friend doing destructive things with their life, ask the Lord to give you a compassionate and godly way to help them turn from their actions. May the grace to turn be yours in this coming week.

I Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
When I was a child,
I talked like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV)
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin,
you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Carry each other's burdens,
and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

WATCH YOUR PLAY TIME!
Follow Peace & Be encouraged!

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