MOTHER, MAY I?

(Wednesday) 23 April 2014 ~ Daily Devotional of Pastor Wayne M. Bass

MOTHER, MAY I?

As young children, we occasionally played a game that centered around a genteel question: “MOTHER, MAY I?” In hindsight, I suppose this game had been invented by some skillful parent who sought to teach her children two important life skills, being polite and observing boundaries.

Here’s how the game was played. One child (regardless of gender) volunteered to serve as ‘MOTHER’ and the others positioned themselves in a horizontal line, about 20 feet (6 meters) from the game leader. The MOTHER would then choose one of her playmates and say something like this: “Tony, you may take three giant-steps forward.” Before doing so, the child-player had to respond, “MOTHER, MAY I?”

The MOTHER would try to make the game interesting by varying both the NUMBER and KIND of steps that would be taken, e.g. “Wesley, you may take two scissors-steps,” (or) “Doris, you may take four baby-steps” (or) “Marvin, you may take three kangaroo-steps.” There seemed to be an unlimited variety of movements one might be called upon to take, e.g. twirly-steps, turtle-steps, umbrella-steps, jumping jack-steps, even side-steps.

While this game might sound overly simplistic, it had rather intriguing possibilities. Of course, the child who successfully reached and touched MOTHER would win and thus serve as leader in the next round. But here’s what made the game truly interesting. In the excitement of the moment, a child could sometimes forget to say “MOTHER, MAY I?” and this would cause them to be sent all the way back to his/her starting point. In fact, a child could just about be in position to reach out and touch MOTHER, but the thrill of that moment might generate a memory lapse, which would require a brand new start.

This game was not only fun, it was loaded with spiritual applications. For as believers in the Kingdom of God, our success is intrinsically tied to our willingness and consistency in ASKING (not necessarily the Mother), but THE FATHER, for purpose, permission and power. Only under the direction and authority of THE FATHER may we successfully “live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) It’s a tough lesson to learn for us independent thinkers, or so it seems.

Here’s our practical dilemma. In the excitement of life’s various and sundry moments, we sometimes forget or we fail to ask, “FATHER, MAY I?” As a result, we suffer tremendous reversals. Sometimes, it feels like we are way back at the beginning, starting our journey all over again.

The Apostle James said it best: “You HAVE NOT because you ASK NOT.” (James 4:2) James was not referring to asking for THINGS, as many might suppose, but he was referring to seeking the perfect will of God. James was advising us to proactively receive GOD’S INTENTIONAL DESIGN FOR LIFE FULFILLMENT, which may only be derived from seeking HIM, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and HIS KINGDOM. (Psalm 27:8 – Philippians 3:10 – Matthew 6:33)

Before you make your next move, ask HIM for wisdom, direction and timing. “FATHER, MAY I?” Our Father will surely make life more interesting by varying both the NUMBER and KIND of steps that may be personally taken.  And, if you approach Him with heart-sincerity, i.e. a genuine desire to apprehend and actualize His perfect will, sooner or later (invariably and inevitably) you will be in such close proximity that you may easily REACH and TOUCH Him. Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!