There is a sign in my office that says, “Don’t make Me come down there!” and it is signed “God.”  I love my little sign. That sky-blue piece of slate reminds me everyday who is in charge—and it ain’t me!

Before my son went off to college, he basically took ownership of the upstairs of our home. His bedroom and bath are up there, so he ruled that domain. My part of the house will always be the kitchen which is downstairs. Back then he loved home cooking and today when he comes home he craves his favorites.

At times I used my parental authority to scream up the stairs, “Son, don’t make me come up there! You get down here right now!”  He knew the non-verbal communication going on with my facial expression before he ever peered over the balcony. He would bound down the stairs and after a lecture on whatever the situation was at the time, he would go back to life upstairs, and I would go back to the kitchen.

And so it is with God. I know I just ride on His last holy nerve most days. I see the sign in my office as a parental gesture meant to keep me in line. I’m supposed to behave my sassy self. Do unto others and all that stuff. That sign speaks volumes. God loves me, but He’ll also send me to a holy timeout corner!

Make a list of what would make God “come down there” in your life today. What did you say impatiently to your kids today? How did you act at the office today? What did you do on your lunch break today? How did you treat your husband this morning? Examine your daily habits, and ask God to guide you. He is a loving parent. He loves us enough to give us personal instruction—the Bible.

End today with prayer, asking God to show you where you need more discipline in your life.