I heard a story about a mother and her small daughter back in the day before car seat laws. The little girl was standing up in the seat as her mother drove and the mom told her daughter several times to sit down. Finally, the mother became more adamant telling her daughter to sit down. Knowing that her mother meant business, the child reluctantly sat down but told her mother, “I’m sitting down but in my heart I’m standing up!” I imagine many of us are like this, we comply with certain laws or guidelines but in our hearts we are somewhere in the realm of compliance in the spirit of rebellion.
Those in leadership are thankful for those who sit down even though they want to stand. Better yet are the faithful who want to please from the heart even if they do not understand the reasoning.
Jesus related a parable in Matthew 21:28-31 about a man who asked his two sons to work in his vineyard. One said he would go but didn’t go and work but the other son told his father he would not go but had a change of heart, went and worked. The one who actually worked was the one who did the will of his father. Evidently, he reluctantly went but he did go.
We live in a culture that glorifies independence and rebellion. Granted, there are situations and times when we need to stand against the current or the authority but fewer than we would like to admit.
Obedience does not always need an explanation; sometimes mothers just know it’s best for the child to sit down.
Harry L. Whitt
Pathway Journey 