Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: GLUTTONY (overindulgence and overconsumption) (01/15/15)
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TITLE: Great Tragedy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dot Hannah
01/21/15 -
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January 21, 2015
No one in the household was prepared for the turn of events. The family of six unexpectedly became eight. The footsteps of four children were now six. God had certainly blessed them, just mere weeks before Christmas. Of course, it was an emotional time for them also. The two new children missed their mother, as you would expect an eighteen month and six year old to do.
Everything about their new home gave them peace and security. There was plenty to eat, warm clothes to wear, dry diapers for the baby, other children to play with, and someone to hold them tightly and reassure them that they were loved. As weeks turned into months, the deep ache in their hearts turned into happiness, and they became sunbeams of hope. They had never known a father, both born out of wedlock to different dads who chose not to participate in their lives. For the first time there was a male in their lives, and they loved it.
As the words sank into her heart, would there be a change? “You no longer have custody of your children.” Was the loss traumatic enough to break the cycle of self-centeredness and pleasure seeking? She found it difficult to keep her chin from quivering and her eyes from filling with tears. Either she would continue in her downward spiral, or a watershed event would occur. Putting others ahead of herself would be a first. Staying drug free and getting clean drug screens would be hard, but necessary. Her craving was so intense. Would she continue robbing her children of a decent life? The most precious gift in all the world is a child. The greatest tragedy is a parent who fails to deny self and nurture the lives of the children God has entrusted to them. Does she not understand that an encounter with a child is an encounter with God?
What would cause a mother to become so gluttonous for self gratification that she would endanger and neglect her children? When we think of gluttony, we think of food. However, gluttony can be anything that we have a habitual greed for and do in excess. The insatiable desire to seek pleasure at the detriment of innocent children is what I would characterize as gluttony for self gratification.
Only the power of a living God can divinely transform a person from the inside out. Whether it be gluttony for food, sex, drugs, or alcohol, nothing is too hard for God. We do not know what this particular mother will decide. Her attitude speaks volumes, as she doesn’t seem to be interested in escaping the pit of self absorption, self destruction, and voluntary ignorance. She is not fighting the fire but playing with it. There is help available if she wants it. The same is applicable for any sin. If we want of be free and are willing to do things God’s way, there can be deliverance. Our obedience always finds favor with the King.
I want to be angry with this mother, but God does not permit me too. We are commanded to go the way of love in all circumstances. Christ has given me a secret for personal happiness and living above the troubles of life, therefore, I must share this with her as spiritual emptiness can only be addressed and changed through love. My heart grieves for the children, and I know there are countless others in worse or similar situations. The answer for them is that their mother would get saved and delivered. If she refuses and prefers to stay in bondage, it will be best if they remain in my daughter’s home, the family they are currently living with.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” (Psalms 82:3) KJV
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