I often find myself asking that question to my children when they argue in the grocery store, make excuses for their behavior, or when they say something selfish or disrespectful. Don't get me wrong, their very well-behaved children, but they are still children. There are things they say and do in the familiarity of my presence that they just don't happen in front of their father, grandfather, Sunday School teacher, sports coach, drama director, dance instructor or karate sensei. The last time I asked this question, something hit me like a ton of bricks...I too am a child (of God) and I too misbehave (sin) in front of my Father (in Heaven). And like a child, I probably wouldn't behave that way if I remembered He's standing right there seeing and hearing what I'm doing. What a tough realization that was! Can you imagine?
Have you ever not treated someone the way Jesus would treat them? Luke 6:31 says "treat others the same way you want them to treat you". That's what our Father expects of His children.
Have you ever been angry or stressed and snapped at someone who really didn't deserve it? Matthew 5: 23 - 24 says "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Our Heavenly Father expects us not to fight with others, and also to forgive.
Have you ever been anxious and worried over a situation instead of trusting it to God and letting go of it? Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." When we worry instead of trust, it's like telling our Father we're not sure we can trust Him to take care of us. (Don't our kids ask us, "are you sure?" when we tell them everything will work out fine?)
By the way, I've been found guilty as charged on all these counts and even a few more. How about you? Not once did I stop myself and think I had better not do that with my Father standing right there. If you forgot too, welcome back to childhood.
My husband always asks our kids, "Why did you do that if you know it's against the rules?" They have yet to find a good answer that saves them from being disciplined. What if God asked you that very question the next time you found yourself sinning? I know I'd probably have an answer similar to my kids, "I don't know...I guess I didn't think."
As a parent, we get frustrated, disappointed and sad when our children misbehave, and we don't like having to discipline them but we know we must to keep them on the correct path that leads to righteousness. But more importantly, we never stop loving them.
Our Father in Heaven was so smart to give us the opportunity to become parents so we can understand things from His perspective. I mess up just like the kids occasionally do, and when I realize I just did that in front of my Father, I need to be sorry. I need to decide to make better choices and strengthen my character. Knowing He still loves me is worth it all and He loves you without ceasing as well.
So the next time you get caught misbehaving in front of your (Heavenly) Father, do as we were instructed in Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" Then you can be sure that you are forgiven, and loved unconditionally.
Dear Father,
We think we're so grown up, yet in your presence, we see we're still your children, regardless of age. We often go through life reacting to things and to other people without thinking. We want to show you our best and make you proud. What child doesn't want to impress their Father? We come to you now to apologize for the way we've been acting and the attitudes we've displayed that were not pleasing to you. We thank you and praise you for forgiving us through the sacrifice of your own son, Jesus, and for your Word that teaches us that you forget our sins once confessed, and always love us, even when we misbehave. We love you, too, and we'll try harder to be good next time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
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