No Adult Supervision

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” –Proverbs 16:18

Last Saturday we had occasion to go to “Turtle Park” in Albany, GA; a place of absolute pandemonium.  It seemed that every toddler from far and near descended on this enormous outdoor play park, which was outfitted with every playing apparatus their little minds could possibly dream up.  On the eve of entering the “danger zone” we noticed a sign with the following words written on it: “Adult Supervision Required.”  The statute was obviously placed there to try and influence parents to watch over their children, rather than stick them in this play park and let anarchy begin.  On the heels of this thought the question arose: “What if there was no Adult Supervision?”  Imagine, if you will, 60 or more 5 to 10 year olds, running around in the most rambunctious fashion: jumping, crawling, sliding, pushing, climbing; sugar rushing through their veins and their little minds constantly devising ways to promote more and more enjoyment for themselves; with little regard for all else.  They shove one another aside to be the first in line; they provoke and encourage their fellow playmate to try something hazardous to his/her health.  The idea of advancement and self-gratification is the theme of this environment.  Now take this scene, as wild as it already is, and remove the adults; take away those who understand ideas such as sharing, giving, fair play, restraint, love, courtesy, kindness, etc.  Take away those that have the ability to discipline and correct; what do you think would happen? 

Whether you choose to admit it or not, when you resolve to leave God out of your life, you resolve to live a life of “No Adult Supervision.”  Like children, we adults can glory in the smallest of matters.  A child climbs to the top of a jungle gym and they raise their hands in triumph; we as adults: design, build, and create; then raise our hands in triumph…….yet God sees us as the small child on top of the jungle gym.  “Pride goeth before destruction” because pride exalts yourself.  It lends you to want your way and your will; essentially you become one who has no adult supervision; and like those children in the park who had “no adult supervision” they very soon were: lost, hurt, or in danger.  In the play park, a lot of the anguish that was inflicted on a child, by a child, was a direct result of disobedience. In fact, most of the unrest (crying, hollering, screaming, etc.) found in the play park was a direct result of disobedience.  One must understand that carnality cannot be allowed to run amok unchecked.  I don’t pretend to know the answer to why there is so much pain in this world.  I can’t understand how someone could murder a child, why the good seem to die and the wicked seem to thrive.  I do know this however…….If we as a people willingly accept the constraints of the gospel and take our stand against all sin; both committed and carnal, this world would be a much better place to live.  However, letting pride take hold and thinking us the master of our own lives, puts us in a place of no adult supervision, a place of total anarchy.  Is this really what you want for your life?  Is this really what you want to teach those coming behind you?  That there is no adult supervision needed?

God wants us to become as little children.  He wants us to trust and rely on him; to look to him for guidance and direction.  He wishes for us to seek his approval and take comfort in his supervision.  If we, like a good son/daughter, take the counsel of the Father and follow after his constraints it will serve both us, and those around us.  Though some may not want to admit it, adult supervision is required; although not imposed.  God will not guide your life unless you let him.  We implore you; let God be the master of your life.