Going Up?

My early childhood was spent growing up on a dairy farm out in the country. I remember one of our first trips to the “big city” with my family. The Valley River Center Mall in Eugene was the largest building I had entered during my short 6 years of life. My older siblings and I were especially captivated by the central elevator that went to the 2nd floor. Waiting for my dad in the restroom, we asked my mom if the three of us could embark on our first elevator ride. In no uncertain terms, she made it clear that the option was not on the table. With my mom soon distracted with window shopping, we also decided to ask my dad when he reappeared. 

To our delight, he was quick to give his approval for our adventure. We quickly entered our space capsule before our mom could notice. Unfamiliar with our surroundings, the three of us quickly became panicked with how long our ride was taking. After limited debate, we agreed that pushing the bright red (emergency) “STOP” button was the expected course of action. Immediately, the mall was filled with the blaring sound of a siren. Eventually, the mall maintenance staff rescued us from lifelong trauma. The doors had to literally be pried open, and we had to climb out of our self-imposed prison, pulling ourselves up onto the second floor. 

The human desire to reject authority began in the garden. Satan’s prompting, “Did God really say?” of Adam and Eve, opened the door to corrupt desires. When our selfish longings do not align with God’s design, it can be tempting to doubt God’s truth and pursue an alternative justification for doing what we want. Nothing could be more unwise or self-defeating. The truth of God’s design brings life and freedom. Understanding and developing this conviction is a mark of a mature disciple of Jesus Christ.

This month, our school will focus on how to be followers who speak the truth to one another. The foundation of this Scriptural teaching is to constantly seek the source of all truth. God has revealed His truth through His creation, through communication in His Holy Word, and through the life and redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The enemy of this world wants us to doubt God’s truth and revelation. “Did God really say?”  May we be a community of parents who train up our children in God’s truth, authority, and trustworthiness. He knows what is best for us. ​