“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.
