I was recently reminded of a line from a song by Manic Street Preachers, “If you tolerate this, then your children will be next.” This has got me thinking about what we tolerate or rather have allowed to either stop or start in our lives, and what example that sets to the young around us. We are often told that the world is watching how we behave as Christians but how much more do the youth amongst us?
In the past, during a 21 day fast, I have decided to stop certain things like sweet treats and start others such as more time in prayer. On reflection, I realise that what I start and stop soon reverses after the fast. People who look up to us may do the same, making acceptable in their own lives what they see us giving in to or failing to uphold. Equally, what we discipline ourselves to do (pray, fast, give), also become natural rhythms that they adopt.
Ask God- what am I tolerating or turning a blind eye to in my own heart? A good follow up question is why? Perhaps we feel justified in why we are the way that we are and that God ought to understand. There may be issues of unforgiveness, blame, bitterness and not being responsible for our own choices.
We can sometimes pray that God will transform others but don’t pray this regarding ourselves. Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3. Abide in Christ and ask Him to reveal areas that need correction, attention, healing.
In John 15:5-8, Jesus says, ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’
Let’s pray:
Our Father, may we abide in Your Son and be filled with the Holy Spirit, aligned with Your will for our lives. Build strong the altar in our hearts by revealing to us what we need to surrender. Sow Your Word in our heart and show us what is on Your heart so that we can pray prayers that are a ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ in Christ Jesus. To Your glory, let Your will be done on earth in us and through us as we abide in the True Vine. Amen.
- Jesse Kaur
Next Steps:
- Ask God- what am I tolerating or turning a blind eye to in my own heart? What can I do to stop these things?
- Share with a friend/your family/your Home Church and pray together.