Sometimes, when we don’t get what we want, we become like children throwing tantrums whether we’re aware of it or not. We become like adult brats feeling entitled to what we’re asking for. And more often than not, we don’t get what we want simply because of this attitude.
I distinctly remember one time in the mall when I threw a really bad tantrum as a child because my parents didn’t want to buy me a new Polly Pocket set. I did all the sobbing I could and even tried to drop on the floor while holding my mom or dad’s hand to try to stop them from walking past the toy section. Nope. That didn’t get me what I wanted. All the more because I threw a tantrum.
We’re still like this at times, even as adults. When we don’t get what we want, or things don’t go the way we expect, we become bratty, whether we’re aware of it or not. We need to be careful and we must be open to feedback from the people around us. A tell-tale sign of a bratty heart is when we become easily irritated with people and become less gracious with others. It’s not long before this comes out of what we say and how we say things.
…for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 ESV
God is our perfect Father. His heart is for us and He does not withhold any good thing from us (Psalm 84:11), but He is more concerned with our character. He can easily give blessings but if our character is not intact for His next plan for us, God is patient to wait until we’re ready, and God loves us so much that He doesn’t wait passively. He disciplines us so that we can be truly ready for what He has in store for us.
As you endure this divine discipline,
remember that God is treating you as his own children.
Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?
If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children,
it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us,
shouldn’t we submit even more
to the discipline of the Father of our spirits,
and live forever?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years,
doing the best they knew how.
But God’s discipline is always good for us,
so that we might share in his holiness.
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful!
But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living
for those who are trained in this way.
Hebrews 12:7–11 NLT
How to cure a bratty heart? Humility is the answer to a lot of things. We must humble ourselves before God and humbly embrace His timing and correction.
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God,
and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:6–7 NLT
