On our Own

You are teaching your child to ride a bike and the first time you let go, you see him teetering precariously and you desperately want to run after him, to make sure he doesn't fall off and hurt himself. But something holds you back. Innately, you know he has to learn to ride the bike on his own. Your hand cannot be on the back of the seat for his entire life, despite being a champion marathon runner. Personally, I would make it a block and then have to bribe my kid with ice cream to go back inside. Give me a break...it's hot in the summer!

Have you ever seen a friend or loved one make a huge mistake? Perhaps you've seen your best friend stay in an unhealthy relationship or you see your child tempted to drink at a high school party. All of us are well aware of temptation and the desires we have to do sinful acts. None of us are immune, and at some point we will all succumb.

I believe that for every sinful act we commit, there will be consequences. (i.e. we reap what we sow) I've often wondered what it would be like if we could suffer the consequences of someone else's sin. What parent wouldn't take the pain of their child's scraped knee? What husband wouldn't take the blame for something he led the family to do? Why doesn't the person who tempts us to commit the sin get double the consequences?

But Deuteronomy 24:16 (KJV) says: "The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin".

There we have it. End of discussion. It is up to us, individually, to choose what activities we partake in. No matter how hard the temptation was, or what the motivation behind the act was, we will not escape the consequences.

My advice? Have band-aids, disinfectant, and a loving kiss ready at all times. We all will fall off the bike and need some help back up.