OUR CHILDREN ARE DYING
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9
Psalm 147:12-13,15-16,19-20
Matthew 5:17-19
There is a Native American saying that, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". While this saying is used to promote responsibility for the environment, I see a link to Moses’ statement in today’s first reading:
‘I teach you the laws and customs that you are to observe in the land you are to enter and make your own. Keep them, observe them, and they will demonstrate to the peoples your wisdom and understanding." (Deuteronomy 4:5-7)
For Israel, God’s law spelt out the terms and conditions of their relationship with Him, with their neighbour and the world:
Worship of the one true God.
Special days and times for worship.
Good speech – Bless and do not curse.
Honour to parents and elders.
Protection and value for life.
Faithfulness to one’s state of life.
Respect for others and their property.
Truth and integrity.
Contentment with oneself and one’s belongings.
These are the virtues that set God’s people apart from the world. But we have now embraced the world (along with selfishness and greed) and forsaken our relationship with God. As a result, God’s blessings of peace, unity and prosperity have eluded us. Who is to blame? Moses tells us: ‘Do not forget the things your eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart all the days of your life; rather, tell them to your children and your children’s children. (Deuteronomy 4:9).
Your relationship with God is your legacy. It is not enough to keep God’s commandment; you have to hand it on as a tradition to your children. It is what sets you apart as wise and prudent. What we see is a clear disregard for God’s law from the current generation, which reflects the failure of their parents to mentor and model for their children what is good, true and beautiful. We raise our children for recruitment as workforce for a financially-driven world, where relationships are mostly transactional and happiness is dependent on the content of your bank account. We have raised a generation that is morally bankrupt and slaves to food that perishes (John 6:27). Our children are obsessed with fame, fortune and being ‘liked’, forgetful of their true purpose: to know, love and serve God to reign with Him forever.
Jesus says: ‘The man who keeps God’s law and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19). Your true virtue is seen in how you value God’s law over your ambition, and dignity of life over fame and money. Christ, our Light, entered into this world to reveal the truth of God’s love and the blessings He wants to bestow on us. Let us take steps today to correct the evil we have done. Let’s recommit ourselves to a trusting relationship with God and teach our children that love for God and neighbour is more valuable than silver and gold.
Task: Prayerfully read and meditate on Exodus 20:2-17.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome into the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for revealing the light of truth to us, to see you and serve you in all we do. Help us to treasure our relationship with You more than anything the world has to offer. And help us to see that You are on our side, guiding us to eternal life. Amen.
What does the Lord your God require of you? Love of God more than anything else in the world, obedience to His commands more than holocausts and sacrifices. Help us, Lord, to treasure our relationship with You more than the glamour of the world. Amen.
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