How Do I Want To Be Taught?

Picture this: A firefighter is invited to an elementary school assembly to teach the children about fire safety. Parents and teachers are present also. The firefighter begins talking about the importance of owning a fire extinguisher. He explains what they are, how they work, and even has several fire extinguishers, in different sizes, to show the children. He teaches them how to operate a fire extinguisher and gives a demonstration. Everyone is amazed and pleased with the presentation; but you notice something is missing. The firefighter never spoke of the dangers of fire. So you approach the firefighter and ask why there was no explanation of how to avoid fires, the damage a fire can do, and ways to escape a fire if you don't have a fire extinguisher handy. The firefighter says he doesn't like to talk about those things; they're negative and if the children don't find the presentation fun he may not be asked to come back to the school. Would you accept this as a reasonable answer?

Would it be wiser instead, if the firefighter taught that playing with matches is okay so long as you have a fire extinguisher handy? Because, after all, he wouldn't want children to be deprived of the lessons they can learn from fires. Keeping them too far from fire and not letting them experiment with it won't help them with lifes lessons. After all, fire is everywhere, right? Since it can't be avoided we might as well let the children investigate it for themselves, so long as they're careful. Would a parent be more comfortable with this concept?

Of course, if the firefighter brought in pictures of severely burned children, and screamed at them about how fire is evil and they should stay as far away as possible from fire or they might get third degree burns and die, many parents would become furious. Kids would be so traumatized they wouldn't want to go to a barbeque ever again.

None of these scenarios would be correct. The proper approach would be to instruct children in the dangers of fire if not used correctly. They would be told NEVER to play with matches under any circumstances. That while fire can be of good use, such as for cooking, it is not a toy to be played with. Yes, teaching a child the proper use of a fire extinguisher is good, but so is explaining that they must leave the premises and call 911 immediately in the event of a fire. Parents would agree that this is a well rounded teaching, one that the children would benefit from.

So why is it so many people go to church and only want to hear the good things the Bible tells us? If the preacher tells them each week that God loves them and wants the best for them, that's enough. If every Sunday is filled with beautiful pictures of heaven and God handing out blessings and keeping His children out of trouble, the church is packed. The preacher needs to be careful what he says, otherwise his flock will be offended and won't come back. No one wants to hear anything negative.

And if the preacher says it's okay when you sin because God forgives, that's even better. All you have to do is remember to say you're sorry every night, and God is faithful to forgive. If that same sin keeps popping up day after day, well what do you expect? God knows we're not perfect. He knows we make mistakes. He loves us and forgives us and that's all that matters.

But is this a well rounded, balanced teaching? It's not to say that God doesn't love us; He does. He wouldn't have sent Jesus to die for us on the cross if He didn't. It isn't that God doesn't want to bless us and keep us safe. He's our Heavenly Father. He wants to shower us with His best. But as our Father He also expects obedience from us. We aren't perfect, but He expects us to do our best for Him. We need to hear about the good AND the bad. We need to accept that we are sinners.

Instead of getting angry at the preacher because he pointed out something in your life that needs fixing, take that word as one coming from the Lord, and start making changes. Don't just live life as a free ride with a God that is handing out blessings and forgiveness. Acknowledge what He's done for you and show your appreciation by living a life worthy of being called His. Hearing all the "pretty" messages won't help you become the person He wants you to be. Listening to the good, the bad and the ugly, will teach you to appreciate who you are in Him.