How does this time of year resonate in my thinking and my discipline? Do I use the calendar to reflect and evaluate, and ultimately change what needs changing? We just left the season where we constantly told our children that “Santa” was watching to see if they were good or bad? The Truth is, God is watching us and knows everything. He even knows my heart, the part which others cannot see.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31
Do my words, deeds and thoughts honor the Lord in my home, among my family and elsewhere? Let’s do a check list:
1. Do I have a pride problem? Do I exalt my feelings and opinions over my family’s? Galatians 6:3: “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” What does God see in my heart regarding my attitude toward my role and purpose in my family? James 4:6: “But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Am I frustrated and feel like I am going it alone? Might that have to do with the condition of my heart and not the people I am having to deal with? Is God resisting me?
2. Do I “love” as I should? Love is a choice we make daily. Love is something that targets someone or something other than me. Does my love for others reflect Christ’s love? Love is an endeavor, not an emotion; it is intentional, not instinctive. We must choose to love even when our feelings don’t match our commitment. I Corinthians 13:4: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.”
3. Do I pursue peace within my home and family, or do I demand my own way at any cost? Do I hold grudges and concentrate only on punitive consequences? Ephesians 4:1-3: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Humility, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance and endeavoring to continue the same are all tools that will put us in a position to receive the Lord’s favor and produce something in my home that is pleasant and purposeful. Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
These instructions will go far in a parent as they build relationships that will take them through all of life’s stages and events. Remember, today does matter because we will hand it back to ourselves tomorrow.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:7-10
Can 2022 be the year of being kind and doing good beginning in my home?
