I was talking with my sister the other day while watching my nephew. He is almost 1 ½, and in my opinion
very bright for his age. I said to her, “Despite his intelligence, I find it fascinating that he will try the same thing over and over, even though it hasn’t worked in the past—like climbing into his high chair on his own.”
He has been unsuccessful thus far, and it only results in his own frustration. Eventually mom will pick him up and carefully slide him into it. So why is it that he keeps trying? He is certain that one of these days he’ll get the leverage he needs and be able to hoist himself up into the seat without the help of someone more powerful. I, however, am certain that he’ll get
less than what he needs, and end up pulling the chair over onto himself. When this happens, he will suffer greater consequences than frustration. He will probably get a little hurt and cry, and will need to be loved and consoled by his mother.
Isn’t this exactly how we are as Christians? I am always thinking that I can do things on my own. The first couple of times I might just get frustrated for a while, until I finally allow Christ to take over and place me on the right track. I don’t always learn from that, though, and I may try again on my own. Eventually, I may pull the theoretical highchair onto myself. This will more than likely bring on tears, and can even leave lasting emotional bruises and scars. Thank goodness that God is there to wipe my tears and heal my wounds.
So, is it human nature, from infancy, to want to succeed on our own? In my opinion, yes! That is one thing that
should set believers apart from the world. We ought to be living outside of human nature. We are called to follow his will, but do we always? Do I seek Christ before I make decisions? Does the world see me as living for myself; trying to succeed on my own? Or do they see me as a true Christ-follower, willing to give him the control of my life and actions?
