by tascha |
Sometimes, the difference between having rights and doing right is a wavy, blurry line.
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| this is not about gun control! {but aren’t they cute?} |
I have many privileges as an American.
I have vast amounts of opportunities when I am willing to work and sacrifice.
And I have all the ability I need to DO right, because Jesus is [or should be] my strength.
But this “my rights’ attitude” [me time, anyone?] that I have, on occasion, been sucked into is not Biblical.
For one thing, it is putting the focus on ME. I’ved studied through a little of that before. [This is not to say we do not ever need rest or an occasional break. But there is a “me mentality” that comes from thinking only of me and what *I* need/want. And that is what I am talking about being caught up in.]
And if, as a wife and mother, I am overwhelmed by certain tasks or expectations, then that is my cue to step back and take a few evaluations of myself and my motives.
I must evaluate my motive for doing this overwhelming task and determine who exactly set the expectation.
The only true, pure Biblical motive is to do all to the glory of God [I Corinthians 10:31].
let her rest while she will…
The Lord sets expectations of what He requires from us; but He also ALWAYS gives us the strength to meet them. {-because God gets glory when His strength is magnified through our weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10-}
Evaluating my motive is often a soul-searching, prayerful endeavor.
Because our hearts are deceitful [Jeremiah 17:9].
We will lie to ourselves when not careful to ask the Lord to shed His light on our motives, because sometimes we try to do things {even GOOD things} for the wrong reason.
And sometimes we let others put expectations on us that are not from Him.
So, if my motive is pure and the expectations set are from the Lord, why may I feel as though there is not sufficient strength?
This is where I often get convicted, because there are so very many times that I KNOW I am doing what I ought. But the strength is not there.
When there is not enough strength to get through the day or the project or whatever, I realize that I really am doing this “good thing” all by myself. I have once again taken the reins into my own hands... plucked them from my Father, who expertly handles them while I falter and stumble through.
So, while I have many “rights” as an American and I even have much freedom as a Christian, when I get into the mindset of “having a right” for something or to do something, I forfeit the strength that comes from following the path God has set for my day, because God will not give me His strength to follow my own path.
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by tascha
and I’m not talking about turning on the AC! 🙂
{I know it’s been a while since I said, Hi! I trust and pray anyone still visiting is doing well!}
Sometimes, I feel like Anne Shirley: “if only you knew all I wanted to say and didn’t maybe you’d give me little credit.” { 🙂 }
What did you say!?
But there are seriously times I know the only way I can remain quiet is because the Lord puts a stopper on my tongue. But that does not mean my “cool” is under control!
…that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things… Ephesians 4:14,15
We must always speak the truth! but this verse also tells us to speak “in love.”
This is a wonderful principle to hold fast to, as I have found that when the truth is spoken in haste, without love, it does so much more damage then not speaking at all. This seems to hold true in all situations.
When correcting my children it is necessary, on many occasions, for me to take a moment and find that love from Christ before speaking. Otherwise I will speak words I should not or with a tone that is not appropriate.
I will not grow into Him in all things if I speak harshly.
When telling others of Jesus’ love for them, I cannot get huffy or defensive when I am attacked-and truly, it is not ME they are attacking or questioning. It is Jesus Himself. This ought to invoke our pity, not our wrath. I will be as a child, tossed and carried about by the devil’s craftiness, if I get defensive and prickly about another questioning the gospel.
Have you ever been corrected? Who hasn’t??!! Even now, as a “mature” adult person [ 😉 ] when another points out a fault or wrongdoing, my reaction [which is always my own responsibility! {Romans 14:12}] is greatly based on their attitude. That’s not exactly the way it’s supposed to be…
If I am approached in love, I will be less likely to respond childishly.
If I do not perceive a loving spirit {KEY: they must realize you are speaking in love!}, I often do respond in a less mature manner [read: get defensive and prickly].
How much MORE defensive do you think an unsaved person or immature Christian would be if we do not approach them in love?
This truth is also relevant when people say unkind or untrue things about us or our family! When we find out, do we respond with the truth IN LOVE? or do we lash out in defensive anger?
Being upset about lies is not wrong. Being sad about unkindness is not wrong.
But we must respond IN LOVE when speaking the truth to combat the unkindness or untruth!
So, when I realize that I cannot respond in love, I often {should be ALWAYS!} simply do not say anything at all.
Our children learn how to initiate and respond from watching us. Whether we are interacting with our spouse, one of their siblings or an adult friend, they see and comprehend so much more than we think.Let us “KEEP our COOL” and ask the Lord to:
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3,
because …there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Psalm 139:4.
by tascha |
One of my favorite quotes that can motivate me to have and seek the proper spirit each day is:
Duty makes us do things well,
but Love makes us do them beautifully.
I love beauty: a clean table, dresser drawers closed neatly, covers pulled up to the bed pillows, toys in their home, children playing together, a lovely kiss when he comes home.
And each of these situations could occur every day, but just because they happen does not mean there is beauty in HOW they were done.
It is the love of God in my heart that causes me to accomplish these tasks beautifully– to enjoy the moment-
to take pleasure even when the chaos ensues~~
to live a beautiful life
in the ordinary-everyday.
[I Corinthains 13]
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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!
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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!
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