A slave to Christ

Lately I have felt very taken advantage of by my kids. They aren't picking up after themselves, or doing little tasks that I ask them to. I feel like their slave. I have been struggling to keep house work done. I seem to get no help from the ones making the messes. They think this is what I live for. I live to pick up after them. So, as I was complaining and wallowing in self-pity this morning my husband told me to go to Bible study. He told me I needed to go. He spoke truth. I knew I needed to go. The Holy Spirit was convicting me of that. I was listening to Satan whisper to me about how bad I have it, how no one appreciates me, how worthless I am. Lies, all lies. I might feel like I am treated as a slave sometimes by my kids, but I am called to be a slave...a slave to Christ. As my Bible study reminded me, He is my Adonia, my Lord and Master. "God has a right to expect obedience" from me. He is my Master. I am to do His will, not my own. Matthew 10:34-40 says I am to love him above all other. Even myself. But there are benefits to being a bond servant to Christ. That puts me under his protection. "With submission comes all we need for the task He puts before us. Whatever it is, as Adonai He supplies what His servants need in order to perform their Master's will." He will give us understanding (Psalm 119:125). He will be with us (Judges 6:14-16). He remembers us (Psalm 89:50-51). He doesn't leave us empty handed. He equips us with what we need to do His will.

For me right now that means that He is with me in my parenting. He has given me everything I need to do this task of raising four kids. He will never leave me. He will give me the wisdom I need.

We have heard this verse over and over again. But read it slowly this time. Think about what it is really saying: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.

I have the a spirit of power, I can conquer the devil and the lies he tells me. I have a spirit of love, I can love my children even when they are not obedient. I have a spirit of self-discipline, I can keep my temper in check and I can get and keep my housework done. Fill in the blanks for yourself. What does your spirit of power equip you to do? Who does your spirit of love equip you love? What does your spirit of self-discipline equip you to accomplish?

I end with Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

*quotes were from Kay Arthur's Lord I want to Know You.