Yesterday, we went out as a family to a used book sale at a church here in town and then went to a strawberry farm to pick strawberries. I was also able to get my oldest take a horseback ride, which was good because she is normally afraid of large animals so it was a big fear taken away hopefully. At the end of the day my wife stated to me that she had fun and asked if I did as well and I replied that I had enjoyed our time. About an hour later the Holy Spirit bought what I am about to write to my attention. It had to be the Holy Spirit because I cannot believe in and of myself I would be able to get something out of strawberry picking and a horseback ride, but I guess I did.
I recalled a conversation that I had with a brother in Christ just recently about how some tumultuous times in my life had made it hard for me to even play with the kids. My mind connected the struggle to play with my kids at that time to the easy and blessed day that I just received. I concluded that the reason for this change of spirit could not be linked to change in circumstances because some of the problems are still prevalent so I realized that the change in my time with my children really was attributed to who I am apart from Christ. Essentially all of this was used to teach me why it is so hard for us to do what God has called us to do. I don’t want to get into a doctrinal statement about the depravity of the human condition. I do however want to share with you what I think practically it means in our lives or at the very least my life.
It seems that we struggle with spending time with our kids, reading the bible, being a good husband (or wife), prayer, diligence towards all of these things and probably many more things. In all of the things just stated we can encompass the blessings of God. Let’s think about some things we don’t struggle with like, having some “me time”, watching tv, sleeping in rather then working, etc. All of these things are abominations to the Lord (not specifically but the attitudes that are present to waste time in these areas are abominations.) So the next time you think you are actually a good person try to remember what comes easy and natural to you and what you struggle to do and then evaluate where these activities fall in regards to God’s will and blessings for your life. To sum up, how gracious must our God be to go through all of the pain He has to go through for us, and even as Christians we still struggle with spending any time in His word and with the blessings that are our families. You still think you are a good person, better think again!
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