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We Think We're So Smart

As parents, we've all been there. We tell our child to do something and they ask why. Everyone knows what words are about to come out of the parent's mouth. 

Because I said so

We can debate forever if that reasoning should be sufficient or not. The fact is we say it. I say it, and then I preach to my kids about respect and obedience and when I was a perfect child. 

So why do the kids ask for a reason? Why do the teenagers bore us with their litany of reasons of how we're old, our ideas are outdated, we're short and not that good at basketball? Yeah, my teenagers have found some specific talking points in their arguments to try and get me to let them have their way. 

Why do they think they're so smart?

Actually, I'm trying to get my children to write a book. (Cue sarcastic music so you know I'm about to spew a heavy dose.) If they would give me time to grab a pen and some paper, I could jot down some of their pearls of wisdom. They make such good points when they compare themselves to known drug dealers, deviants and misfits. How can I even consider holding these golden children back from ultimate freedom?

But I digress. 

They think they're so smart because we think we're so smart. While we may have more experience and (some) more wisdom, the truth is we do the same thing in our own lives, justifying our actions with a litany of responses. 

My pastor talked recently about things that we might not be willing to give up. He may have even referenced some fairly popular shows and trends right now, just so everyone felt equally convicted. It got me thinking. If Jesus asked me to give up something, even something I felt was innocent, would I obey without asking questions?

I’m not saying I eat a sinful amount of cookies, but if God asked me to give them up, would I? Without good reason? It might depend on if He was taking away ice cream as well. 

When we give our children a command to obey, I think I’m imagining they should automatically obey because of the good record I have of doing things because I love them.That should be enough, right? I bet God thinks the same thing about us. 

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