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Please, Report Yourself.
by Olawale Ogunsola What will you do to someone who hurt you directly or indirectly but came to tell you of his wrongdoing? This was the case of a grandson in May, 2015. He went to draw water from a nearby well. On his way home, the bucket he use was broken and it was the main container that could be used for such assignments. When he saw this had happened, he came to tell me to guide him on how to deal with the situation because his grandfather will not take it lightly. He was good at giving out disciplinary measures and will not hesitate to melt out some corrective measures to him. He feared what may be the weight of such measures. I advised him to report himself to grandpa before he knows that the bucket has been broken from another source. The young man was reluctant to do this because he wanted me to go with him to plead his case before the old man. For many reasons, I informed him that I will come in but he should report himself to explain what happened first. The young man failed to act immediately but instead went about the premises wearing gloomy looks. He was not happy and went about sluggishly. He became a shadow of himself; everyone who saw him asked what happened to him but said nothing. Later, I saw him and inquired if he had reported to grandpa so that I could carry out a follow-up on the matter to erase any other negative issue that may want to ensue. After I confirmed he did not act as directed I encouraged him to go but I stayed nearby to know how the matter would go but the old man did not know I was near. The young man went. I overheard him explaining how everything happened. Grandpa patiently listened to his story. After, I heard the the old man shouting on the young man accusing him of being too playful. He saw this as the reason for breaking the utility bucket. Do you know what? He only warned him to prevent such happening in the future. The young man prostrated as a mark of respect for grandpa. This was according to their culture. No corrective measure was melted out to him. A few minutes later, I appeared before grandpa who told me what happened and I also pacified him assuring him that there will not be a repeat of such act in that he may have learned his lessons. The matter was laid to rest and their relationship continued to flourish. Now, do you know that doing a wrong has its serious sting which troubles the wrongdoer? When it happened to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, both went to hide themselves "away" from their Lover who went about to seek them until He found them. How would the story be if they had reported themselves? Do you also report yourself to God when you do a wrong? Anytime you disobey Him, He reserved the right to chastise you as your Loving Father. There are four common reactions to a wrongdoing but one is best: 1. You may attempt to cover the wrongdoing. 2. You may shift blame on someone else. 3. You may go about "mourning" the evil act. Grave consequences may result from bearing the guilt. 4. Go to God and report your wrong action knowing well that you are guilty. Why? "The sacrifice you(God) desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." Psalm 51:17. NLT. When you sin and regret it, go to the Lord with your sad countenance to report yourself. When the Psalmist observed that he was a talkative, he regretted it and went to report himself to the Lord and sought His help: "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don't let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness . Don't let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong." Psalm 141:3-4. NLT. Are you a member of God's family? If yes, then do not hesitate to report yourself to Him when you do wrong and seek His help. Do not go around with a guilty heart when your father is ready to abundantly pardon you. How often do you report yourself? As many times as you go astray! Note that your self report must not be on the same wrong act. Pray to please the Lord all the time. Stay blessed and rapturable because the Lord is coming soon. NLT is New Living Translation. The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |