On a recent plane trip I sat next to a guy I found out was a fellow believer in Christ. That's always refreshing and often convicting! We talked alot about the state of the church and the need to take Christ more seriously in our lives and especially in our marriages and familes.
He shared an incident in his family life when one of his children, who are now adults, made a statement about their dad. He was working a lucrative job that demanded he travel frequently. At a parent/teacher conference the teacher shared a response one of his children gave to the question, "How many people are in your family?" The child said five when the teacher knew there were a total of six. When the teacher followed up with the question of why the child said five the response was, "Dad is never home."
It was one of those piercing and convicting works of God's Spirit that would literally change his life. Within a month he had given his notice to the company to change positions. He needed to be home during the strategic season of his kids lives and was willing to sacrifice his own career success for his wife and children.
The point here is not to say if you travel for your work you are messing up your family!
This follower of Jesus knew he had made his career more important than his family. He wanted to make a different statement as a result.
Life really is short and we shouldn't loose the opportunities that God gives us to pass on to our children a legacy that is seen in our lives as well as our words. Jesus knew that what we do with our today's will have an effect on our tomorrows. There are so many daily distractions that take our eyes off the real issues of life.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
Our marriages are the first place our children look to understand what it means to to follow Jesus. May you be partners in life who share that common goal of the honor of Christ. An honor that is willing to say no to the things of the world for the sake of the gospel.
I just thought I would pass on a Good Reminder.
2 comments:
Jerry, a wonderful reminder. I am convicted of this even more so now with entering into fatherhood next month.
Would you have any wisdom for one who feels they have been gifted by God and called to edify the church in some form, but lacks the appropriate resources for a higher education due to lack of money and weighing the priorities of self-education with the responsibility of being a husband and father?
Ryan,
Thanks for the encouragement and for your honest struggle in terms of the call of the gospel in your life.
Let me say right up front that I believe your struggle is as much about your sancification as it is your vocational calling. You really can't have one without the other.
It's refreshing to hear and "feel" that stirring in your soul to grow in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
2 Peter 3:18
Your prayer for wisdom is one God hears and answers. It's right out of James 1:5. At the same time if you are typical of a young and hungry follower of Jesus you also need to continue to be shaped by him in the process. Character maturity is just as critical as content maturity.
James goes on to say in the same chapter that we must be people who are, "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
One of the best places to learn this is in the home, just ask Mat!
Yours is a good struggle Ryan and one I'd be willing to track with you.
Keep in touch and give my regards to Mat & Michelle and Audrey!!
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