A Firm Hand

My brother and his 3 year old daughter, Sara Faith, came to mom's house for a visit.  It was a beautiful spring day, not too hot and not too cold.  Sara had been playing with the children next door and was not a happy camper because play time was over.  In a rebellious act Sara Faith went to the door and proceeded to open it in an attempt to go back outside.  Her dad told her, that if she went out the door he would spank her.  She stood at the door and contemplated this ultimatum given to her by her father. After a couple of minutes of standing at the door and hoping that her father had forgot all about the promise she sneaked out the door.  Her father was watching her the whole time and immediately left his seat to follow through on his promise.

Sara realizing her mistake tried to run, but was not fast enough.  Her father caught her and popped her bottom and brought her back in the house where she lay in the middle of the floor and threw a temper-tantrum.  Within minutes she straightened up and even offered her father a cookie her Grandma had given her.  The whole episode was a bit humorous but made me think about how we test our spiritual Father.

How many times have we given in to temptation knowing there would be consequences?  Whether it be gossip, drinking, adultery, watching an inappropriate movie or listening to an inappropriate song.  How many times do we sneak away and sin thinking no one is watching and if no one is watching, no one will know.  Sara Faith knew if she disobeyed her father there would be consequences and her father followed through with his promise out of love.

There have been consequences for sin right from the beginning starting with Adam and Eve.  They disobeyed God and were kicked out of the Garden of Eden.  Not only did this sin affect Adam and Eve, but it is still affecting us today.  God loves us and wants us to be obedient out of love and respect for Him.  One day Sara Faith will appreciate her father's firm hand just as we will appreciate the firm hand of our Spiritual Father.