“Call me if you need me and I’ll be right there!” “You need a friend? You GOT a friend as long as I am around”, “I love you baby there will never be anyone else like you.”
That last line has probably been used more times than toilet paper and instead of cleaning a mess usually creates one! I looked to see if there was a legitimate definition for the phrase “lip service” there were two! They are: Verbal expression of agreement or allegiance, unsupported by real conviction or action; hypocritical respect: and insincere support or respect expressed but not put into practice.
Two scriptures address this, first is Matthew 5:33-37 “And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” Then in James 5:12 And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true.
One thing that is upsetting to me as a mom and grand mom who is concerned about the feelings of my children is the way little children are used by people whether it is between divorcing parents or by someone trying to impress a single parent that has a child by getting close to the little one and then upon realizing the mom or dad of the child is not going to date you seriously or, better yet marry you dump the poor unsuspecting child. I have seen it over and over and that really makes me sick. The child doesn’t know why one more parent figure has disappeared from their life; it has to affect their self-esteem, thinking it somehow their fault. My children were 14 and 4 when my divorce was final, their dad was welcome to come into the home any time he could and took them out for lunch or dinner twice a week, it is a habit that still stands to this present time. What happened between us was not their fault and I didn’t want to deprive them of that father-child relationship. Children are not chattel to be moved, traded or bargained with for your convenience, period. Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Children are a treasure and should be treated as such. Psalm 139:13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit-by-bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you. The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
Bottom line is this, in fact they are Jesus’ words paraphrased, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!” We expect God to answer as soon as we call, isn’t that right? Live according to that one little statement and you will live a happier life and those around you will know that when you say, “Just call me“, you really mean it.
Harolene.com 