Regrets

Gen 31:32 MKJV
(32) With whomever you find your gods, let him not live. Before our brothers, choose what is yours with me, and take it to you. For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

Have you ever said something that you REALLY wished you could take back? Jacob had been accused by Laban of stealing his idols (insert laughter here). I guess that would be akin to having cable taken away... In ignorance, Jacob said something brash. He said, "I hope the one who stole your idols dies!" He didn't know that the love of his life had taken his idols.

If you recall, Rachel died early - in childbirth. Do you think Jacob blamed himself? Can you see why he was wrapped up so emotionally with Joseph - Rachel's first born? What is the lesson?

We may not know the weight of our words on this side of heaven. This is one reason that Jesus taught us to speak simply yes, or no. Do not swear by the powers that be, one way or the other.

Men, lead your homes. Be the king and priest over what God has given you to steward. Ladies also are given authority in the home, and at times are the spiritual leader. It is my belief that with this spiritual authority comes the responsibility to BE in charge, spiritually. It's not a title. It's an office to hold and operate. What is said in your home should filter through the office of king and priest before it is established. Teenagers, for example, swear a lot, typically, even if under their breath. Where would we be if we were held to the oaths we made? Thank goodness for a spiritual authority in my life that said, "No. Not in my house. Not on my watch." Placing yourself under a spiritual authority gives you a 'stupid' buffer.

Let's look at it this way. If I am the spiritual leader of my home, and I swear to God Himself that I will never tell another lie, then I'd better not tell another one. If I do, I'm dealing with God, through Jesus (fortunately) who was the one who told me not to swear in the first place. Jesus is the best mediator I could ask for... and God is FULL of grace and mercy... but I would rather avoid the 'you idiot' look from my creator when the time comes. However, if I've sworn the same oath and my dad is my spiritual leader and he looks at me cross-eyed and says, "Don't even think about it", then he has spared me the idiot look from my Creator, and has buffered me from the consequences of my ignorance. No regrets.