Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 NASB
How many times do I get frustrated and upset by the fact that my kids act without thinking? Yes, their intentional disobedience grieves me even more deeply. But, the truth about my kids is that their premeditated disobedience is rather rare. When I see blatant disobedience in them, I know that something else is very wrong and needs to be dealt with.
No, the disobedience that comes from my children most frequently stems from a lack of paying attention. A lack of diligence. A lack of discipline. It’s not that they’re looking for a chance to disobey. It’s just that they’re not actively seeking obedience, respect, and honor.
Although that sort of disobedience doesn’t cut to the heart quite like blatant disrespect does, it still grieves me.
And yet I do the same thing.
Like my children, I don’t frequently blatantly disobey the Lord. But, I also don’t discipline myself to give attention to every detail of each day, living it all for Him. I wonder how many of the things I don’t even think of grieve the Holy Spirit?
I am continually admonishing my children to be diligent and pay attention. My heart is filled with joy when they do and grieved when they don’t. I am challenged to grow the same diligence as well, that I may not cause grief to the One I adore.
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