"MISCHIEVOUS FEET"

Good Evening to All!

(16) These six things the Lord hates; yes, seven are an abomination unto Him:
(17) A proud look
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
(18) A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil (mischief),
(19) A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
(Proverbs 6:16-19).

I know we have all heard the expression "boys will be boys" or "kids will be kids". I despise hearing that cliche. It's nothing but an excuse parents use to excuse away their children's bad behavior.

There is nothing wrong with curiosity. All children are curious. It is just that adults need to be aware of what the children are doing around them. For example the combination of a curious child and a pack of matches can spell disaster. There is nothing wrong with an over-energized child, but he needs to be watched to make sure he doesn't hurt anyone.

There is a big difference in rambunctious children being over-zealous in their playing and accidentally knocking something over and breaking it, or even running around and bumping into each other, ACCIDENTALLY, and children who actually intend on being destructive, disruptive, or just plain mean. Bullying is not acceptable behavior. That is not a kids will be kids, or boys will be boys issue. I add the Kids will be kids, because girls are just as bad nowadays about bullying as boys are, if not worse.

Yes, I know, what I am about to say is not popular, but it is the parents' job to teach their children good acceptable behavior. It is their job to teach their children to treat EVERYONE with respect, no matter how old they are.

These kids learn this bad behavior somewhere. Whether its at home, on television, or others at school, they have seen it somewhere before and know that mommy and daddy will do their level best to keep them from being disciplined for it.

I'm definitely not saying that all parents are like that. I've known some that go to the other extreme which isn't right either. It can be even more damaging.

The point I'm trying to make is that children need the guidance of a responsible adult, someone to teach them proper behavior and respect for others no matter what. Whether the kids are less fortunate financially, or mentally or physically challenged, whatever the difference is, that is no reason for disrespectful behavior, or bullying. I'm sure if we look at ourselves really close every single one of us could find something that differentiates us from others and we need to teach kids the same thing.

Now, the same can be said of God in our lives. There is not a one of us on this earth who doesn't need guidance from God. The wisest thing anyone can do is to wake up each morning and pray for God to guide them. Ask Him to direct their steps, and to be included in any decision which we make. We need His help to keep us from following the wrong path, or letting obstacles get in our way and get us side tracked from our main goal which is to stay on the path toward Him.

I just realized that I have spent the majority of this post concentrating on children's mischievousness, but we as adults can run just as fast toward it. Our's may not be directed toward others, but can be just as damaging to us. Drinking, drugs, promiscuity (I tried to find a "tasteful picture of that, but couldn't). These are all of a mischievous nature when it comes to messing with our souls. One version of the Bible used the word "evil", while another used "mischief". If we are not running toward the Lord, then we are backing away from Him. There is no such thing as standing still when it comes to growing closer, or further apart. We need to stay away from mischief (or evil) and continually plod toward Him.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!