Choices that Humiliate or Illuminate

Six days before the big day of graduating a young man on the verge of becoming a man approaches his parents. His parents are excited because they have been waiting for 18 years to see their son walk across the stage to receive his diploma. He sits at the kitchen table asking his parents to listen to him.

His mother anxiously says “What is it; you look as if your life is over?” His father mockingly interjects, “Once you walk across that stage boy, you would have lost your life of childhood and entered into manhood.” The young man hangs his head low embarrassed to tell his parents. Cheerfully his mother says, “Son, tell us what it is, you have to go to school, you haven’t graduated yet.”

At that moment it was as if time stood still, as the young man opened his mouth trembling saying, “Mom, Dad I have a son, he’s six weeks old and I can’t go to college as you thought. I have to stay here and take care of my kid.”

His father stands with a heartless glare upon his lopsided face. His mother drops her head saying, “Oh My God, what have you done.”

Many parents look forward to a positive future for their child. They anticipate that all the instructions, the correction, and rules have molded them to be a good responsible productive person. Nevertheless, children do not always respond in such manner. Many adults don’t always respond by obeying as if they are in the presence of God. A mistake is made and the response of fear takes over.

Fear is like a sensor that measures your growth. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Typically, parents hope that when their child leaves home, on the second phase of their life they will act as if they were still in their presence. Yet event adults react in wreck less manners taking action in their own comfort.

Our decision reflects if we are going to have an attitude honoring God in fear or honor our self. How do you respond in the absence of others? Do you reply the same as if God was before you?

Reflect on the decisions you make in the physical absence of your heavenly Father. Consider children in your absence, as you remind them to think about their choice don’t forget about your choice - will it humiliate or illuminate God?