Words from the Heart
Crossbridge Community,
I am excited to have the opportunity to share with you what God is teaching me during this season of my life. With two young children at home there seems to be many lessons to be learned and not just for our children! Having children is a great mirror of how we are still growing and need the gospel EVERYDAY!
Most of our days lately have been trying to teach our daughter to follow the rules when asked and have a good attitude when doing things she’s asked. She is also learning consequences for when she doesn’t obey. As her teacher this seems very black or white of the basic rules of cause and effect. However, once again I become the student as I am reminded of the gospel.
Just the other day I was telling my daughter she needed to “make the right choice,” (do what I asked her to do, simply follow the rules.) Oh, and that she needed to do it with a good attitude. Well, she did as I asked but I wasn’t happy with the attitude she had while “following the rules.” I really wanted her to do what was asked of her not just because she had to but because she wanted too. So I found myself asking God how I could teach her to follow the rules and do it with a happy heart.
I was reflecting on how I get caught up in just following the rules or making the right choice just because it’s the Christian thing to do, or it’s just the right choice to make. I realized that I am asking my 4 year old to follow the rules and do it with a good attitude but she doesn’t have that ability yet. I don’t even have that ability on my own. I need the power the gospel provides to make good choices and follow the rules.
Following rules can be hard… Forgiving a family member or friend is hard when they have wronged us. Giving money to the building fund or tithing is hard when you could use that amount to pay a bill. Submitting to your husband is hard when you think your way is better. Following the rules is hard and trying to do it with joy is impossible without relying on the power that the gospel gives us.
I love how gracious our Lord is when teaching me of my inability to walk this life perfectly, I was never intended to. I need Jesus and the grace the gospel provides. Realizing that because Jesus made perfect choices, did them in love, without a sense of obligation and because He lives in me, I now have the power to follow the rules with a happy heart.
I encourage you to remember the gospel daily. Remind yourself that making the right choices are not dependant on our will or ability. We need the grace and power that the gospel provides every day in all situations. The gospel changes everything!
Thanks for letting me share a little about how God is working in me and allowing the gospel to change me. How are you allowing the gospel to grow you?
I am looking forward to a fun family worship service this Sunday with you!
Dixie
