Lately, we have been testing our youngest with dairy products. We are thinking that he may have a sensitivity to dairy. We are not sure if it is a lactose intolerance or a full blown allergy. What we do know is that when he has it, it doesn't settle well with his stomach.
The other night at dinner, we were having chili and Austin wanted cheese on his chili. We told him that he couldn't have it. He continued to argue with us, telling us how much he really wanted it.
We explained to him the problems that the cheese cause him. That it will give him a stomach ache and that he will be sick the rest of the night. He proceeded to tell us that he didn't care. That he wanted it anyways.
That amazed me. He was willing to endure long term pain for short term pleasure. Why in the world would he want to do that?
Then it hit me. Oh yeah, he's human.
We have to learn not to indulge in short term pleasures to achieve long term pleasures. It is not something we are born with.
Yet, how many of us never learn how? It is amazing how many times, knowing the end result, I choose to do things that bring short term pleasures....like buying something before I have the money, indulging in junk food, etc.
In Jesus' parable of the farmer scattering seed, Jesus explains the seed that is thrown among the thorny ground:
The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
As Christians we need to be focused on patiently growing our relationship in Him. If we are focused on the short term pleasures of this life, then it will be impossible for us to mature in Him.
Let me encourage you, as I encourage myself, to focus on Christ. The end reward is far greater than the short term pleasure!
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