Since yesterday's post received so many comments from women going through similar struggles with selfishness and sin, I have been reflecting today on what God would have us do with this conviction. Obviously, first and foremost, we should each be praying about what this looks like in our own lives. I think the root issue to all this for me is trying to take control of my own life and make sure my needs met.
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5: 24-25
I am a very practical person. So, I wanted to also share some things that I am trying to implement that might help those of us who do better when we have a plan of action.
My friend, Rachel, once shared with our small group that when she is stressed out she goes through the fruits of the Spirit like a breathing exercise.
Breathe in the Holy Spirit...breathe out love. Breathe in the Holy Spirit...breathe out joy. Breathe in the Holy Spirit...breathe out peace. Etc... She says the fruits as she takes her breathes. I have tried this and it really works for me.
Because serving can be draining and feed into my attitude problems, Daddy & I have been trying to use a phrase from Chick-fil-A: We respond to "Thank You" in our home with the words "My pleasure" rather than "You're Welcome." It seems so silly, but just saying those words is a little check of my heart's attitude about service. My kiddos have picked up on it as well. It is absolutely precious to hear them say it...and I can only pray they grow to mean it.
Since part of my struggle is with "rewarding myself" with little treats throughout the day (chocolate, sale items, impulse purchases, etc.), I have committed to my accountability partner to not spend a penny until I have had time in the Word each day. This was put to the test at 6:45am yesterday morning, as I was out of coffee and needed it BADLY! I loaded the children up in the car, barefoot and still in their pajamas for a quick trip to the Starbucks drive thru. As I was putting my car in reverse, I remembered my commitment. I was convicted about the fact that I was willing to rearrange my morning routine because I woke up with an insatiable desire for caffeine. Why don't I crave God that way?
I had a Bible in my car, so I sat and read for a few minutes before heading out for my tall non-fat latte. The passage I opened up to was the Beatitudes. I loved these verses particularly in the Message.
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Matthew 5:3-6, 8
It is so exciting to see God working in so many lives in such a deep way. This way of thinking is completely counter culture. We must stay in the Word and accountability is key. We are bombarded with messages all day long that tell us what we deserve. The Bible, however, has a different message about what we "deserve." That's what makes grace so sweet. May we live lives that glorify God...especially in our homes, where it seems to be the hardest, but leaves the most lasting impact.
8 comments:
Do you know that this afternoon, when I thanked A. for cleaning up his playroom, he said, "It's my pleasure, Mama." And I have smiled the rest of the day as a result. Oh that I would have that kind of heart when it comes to serving my family - and I've fallen so short of it lately.
Thanks for the encouragement...and love the accountability idea. Great food for thought....
Thanks for the excellent "rubber meets the road" practical steps for change. I especially love the idea of saying my pleasure instead of you're welcome. We'll definately be trying that out around here.
-MaryBeth
www.blairbunch.blogspot.com
I, too, love the accountability idea, Jen. I tried that with homeschooling and computer time. I could not have the latter until the first had been done. However, months later and a newborn later, that all fell apart terribly bad. But you are definitely inspiring me to use that method with some other areas in my life.
And not that this was the point of your post, but I could so relate with being willing to load up your 3 (still in pjs) to go get your morning coffee. I don't drink coffee, but it's amazing what extremes we'll go to in order to treat ourself. I did that so many times with 4, and I'm already trying to refrain from doing it with 5. I think people would just call me crazy if I loaded all of them up just to go get something to drink besides water or something for lunch besides pbj. :)
Thanks. Great ideas for working through this conviction. I have read your last post several times. God is working....
Thank you for the Beatitudes...that is exactly what I need to recite to myself when I feel like I've had all I can take providing for every need for my family.
I like the "My pleasure" reminder as well. Might just try that this weekend!
And,I've never actually seen the Message translation before...I knida like what it did with those verses you cited...
Back in Jan. we had volunteer orientation for the new hospital that opened near me. One of the things they stressed was to be cheerful, saying You're Welcome when people thanked us instead of Oh sure or No problem. From the heart is what the lady stressed. Wow, did that convict me and sink in!
But your post has been the cup of fresh water I needed. I have found myself saying "Oh I'll just read the word later" or "I've got to get this done first and then I'll go have my quiet time" and find that I don't get that most important duty done. I love this commitment you have with your friend. What wonderful accountability. I am going to pray for an accountability partner and to have strength to remain commited no matter how challenging the days can be. That's vital.
Wow, what a great blog. I am going to try not spending until AFTER reading from the bible. What a great idea, thank you for the checkpoint. I find that I read your blogs, along with Beth Moore's each day as part of my "devotional time". Thanks.
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