Reproach Defined
“Disgrace, discredit, or blame incurred: to bring reproach on one’s family” is the representation I will use.
“Front And Center!”
This was a phrase I heard quite often during my up-bringing (I was, and still am, the oldest of eight living children). When I heard that, I knew my dad meant business. Being brought face to face with the consequences of a mistake or an intentional wrong-doing has, and still is – sometimes, a distressful difficulty that I had rather not have to deal with. I didn’t want was coming then and – having the understanding of “what goes around comes around” (to put it mildly) – I don’t want it now (I’m 61, married 41 years to the same woman, have four children and eight grandchildren).
“Pay Attention!”
Yep, I heard that one, too - a lot. “If you don’t, you’re gonna wish you had!”
When you “pay attention” with a whole heart to the life that God has given you (yes of course, me too) there are things that we will do – and accomplish, and there are things that we will not do or partake of. To do otherwise is to bring reproach upon our immediate family, our parents, our children’s family, God’s people and most of all, God.
“Are you paying attention?!!”
If you aren’t, here is what is going to continue to happen to you: Your life will continue to be full of problems without remedy, you will continue to be discontent and without peace, you will stay on track for causing those around you to try to figure out what in the world is wrong with you and you’ll continue finding someone else to blame for all your misery and troubles(!).
“Why In God’s Name Won’t You Listen To Me?!!!”
“Why are you being so rebellious?!!” “Why are you being so clabber brained? Does not what I’m saying make any sense?!!!”
If you aren’t paying attention you can see the symptoms but you cannot see and understand the symptoms as evidence. You may ask, “Evidence of what?”
First, The Evidence
When you have a small child that is very head-strong (strong-willed) and so much so that he – or she – gets the upper-hand with you, time after time, this is evidence. When you have a grown child that will “get-in-your-face”, this is evidence. When you, as a parent fail to cause the small child to want to comply, this is evidence. When you disrespect and dishonor your parent(s), this is evidence. Again, evidence of what? Disobedience.
The Chain Of Bringing Reproach By Disobedience
From generation to generation this can go on. When can this chain be broken? Do you have eyes to see and not yet see? Do you have ears to hear and yet, not hear? At what time in our lives do we choose to be obedient? That’s what it takes, you know – obedience.
Let The Word Speak. Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 19:26 – He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Proverbs 22:6 –Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Romans 6:16 – Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 16:19 – For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Today, this hit me hard. I am being made to face the consequences of a life that I lived a long time ago. In retrospect, one of the consequences of my disobedience to the righteous teachings of God is much time has been taken to build back my God-given walls of protection – every man has been given ”the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). In raising children during this time I came up lacking in many areas that, otherwise, would have prevented myself, my wife, my children and possibly my grandchildren a lot of misery and heartache. Consequences, there is no way to get around them, especially if you belong to Him. I am looking forward to seeing some chains broken and people set free.
I sincerely hope you are paying attention and continue to whole-heartedly to do so.
As a husband, a parent, a grandparent, a brother and friend, I covet your prayers.
G Freeman Shepherd
