And Walk in Love

And Walk in Love

May 1, 2011, 3:44 pm
Filed under: children, Discipleship

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-16

As a mommy I’m struggling with “making the best use of the time.” No matter where I turn, there’s always an idea, manner or skill I should have already trained into our children. We should have pleases and thank-yous down, one needs to be potty-trained, one “needs” to be showering themselves at this age. Oh, and I just read that they should be cleaning their room independently by now. And don’t get me going on interpersonal and communication skills!

We’ve come so far, yet my list is endless. I have seen God work in my children. I see growth. They aren’t struggling with most of the same issues they were struggling with six months ago. Is this the way mommyhood will always be? Will there always something else to do? More to pray about? Something to improve?

Every older mother I’ve talked to says that the answer to all the questions above is “YES!” So what do I do, or not do? I could go crazy and run about, as my mother used to say, “like a chicken with it’s head cut off.”

However, Ephesians 5 puts it so simply:

1. Walk in love This will likely mean taking the time to plan/schedule specific events/time to show love to my children and husband in ways that speak to them and their personality. If I wait for things to just happen, everyday events will likely crowd out potential meaningful interactions.

2. Imitate Christ Christ’s love for us was sacrificial, it didn’t think about what HE wanted, it walked in obedience to the Father and out of love for a rebellious, sinful people who hated Him. This means that I will not chose to set up rules in my house for my personal comfort or desires. I’ve heard it said, “parents are the original family unit, and children shouldn’t change that. They are a welcome addition, but the family should not revolve around the children.” That is true. But it shouldn’t revolve around the parents either. (Phil 2:3-4) The family should revolve around Christ. And ourlove should be sacrificial toward everyone. We should model for our children what it means to give up our needs or preferences for the desires of another. This doesn’t mean we don’t lead and exercise authority. It does mean that our authority and leadership will happen in humility and love, not seeking our own interests or comfort.

3. Spend time carefully on the things that really matter Last night this meant that when one of mine woke up in the middle of the night, I tucked them back into bed and crawled in with them to whisper and talk with them for a while. It was peaceful, and in the dark with some intermittent light from the lightning, we got to have a sweet conversation that likely has eternal ramifications. It was much more valuable than sleep. I will have to evaluate even “good” things that I think I should be doing to see if they are what our family really needs at the time.

4. Know God Better I will need to know the God I desire to imitate. This means time. Time with God in prayer, in study, in meditation. And time with believers who challenge and encourage me.

How do you prioritize as a mommy, mother, wife, employee? Any thoughts? Comment and share!!

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