On Day 9, we talked about obedience.  Specifically, we noted that obedience is an act of compliance and submission out of respect for authority – a demonstration of our love and commitment to Him, for which scripture teaches that He will respond with blessing and favor.

And so, what if we aren’t obedient?  “Consequences.”

Consequences are the effect or result of action.  Or, with regard to disobedience, perhaps the effect or result of inaction with respect to specific instruction or established expectations.

“He is the way and the life that keepeth instruction; but he that refuseth reproof errath.”    –  Proverbs 10:17

This passage is teaching that he who follows His instruction is on the path to life, yet he who is disobedient faces the consequences of a path that leads astray (see ESV).

It is important to teach our children that disobedience brings consequences – whether disregarding the instructions of authority figures such as parents, teachers, and coaches, or disobeying Him.  Equally or perhaps more important, our teaching must be met with consistency in that, when our children do disobey, appropriate consequences are applied.

To demonstrate anything less as parents is to fail to prepare them for what awaits them in the “real world.”  Further, it is to fail to teach them that obedience to Him is the very demonstration of love for Him (1 John 5:3).  As we teach them to turn to Him when facing peer pressure (Day 8), to look to Him to guard their heart (Day 7), and to place their fears at His feet (Day 2), it is imperative that we reinforce the importance of obeying His word and will for them – and that there are consequences for disobedience.

M46 Challenge:  Talk to your children about the consequences of not following instruction.  Remind them that the reason why you give them instruction is to help them be successful in life.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help my child to stay in the way of life.  I ask that she always receive your blessings because she keeps your instruction all the days of her life.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Thoughts:  Revisit Days 5 and 9, as well as Exodus 20.  How often do we reacquaint ourselves with the commandments expected of each of us?  In the context of Modeling & Leading (Day 6), do we “Correct with Purpose” (Day 5) – not only with regard to our children’s disobedience, but also our own?

Until tomorrow…

Keep it Lit,

T.