Objection #1: I
don’t have the time or energy. Discipling younger women is not
convenient.
The other day I was trying to figure out how to make something. And my son said to me, “Just use your computer and search for it.” Ta-da. Instant information with the push of a button. No need go to the library to find a book or call an expert for advice. All I had to do was push a button.
We live in a
culture of convenience. Things come easily and often instantly. In
some ways, this ease of life cuts against the very grain of Christianity which
calls us to deny ourselves and live for Someone greater.
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.
Christ loved
sinners to the point of death on a cross! If we have received that
sacrifice, how can we not also sacrifice to love others by investing in their
lives? If we are in Christ how can we not also be energized by his strength? Christ has
redeemed that sister in your church. He means to sanctify her and make her more
like Christ. If our lives can be
used by God in his work of sanctification, we would be wise to consider whether
this objection of inconvenience and lack of energy is legitimate or not.
It’s true: life only gets busier with children. As moms, we are responsible to train up our children in the fear of the Lord and they should be one of our main priorities. It does require much of our best time and energy. But are we making the best use of the time because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16)?
If I examine
my own life truthfully, I admit that I find myself checking into email or
browsing on Facebook more than necessary. That’s just one example of how I
waste time. Sometimes I want to selfishly get away from my kids for a moment. Sometimes it’s to legitimately relax or do work.
But for all
those times where I am wasting my time, how much more fruitful would it be to
read a good book, a gospel-centered article, or meditate on some truth of
Scripture? How much more fruitful would it be if I gathered those wasted
minutes and do that with another believer? The truth is that I am lazy and
selfish. I want to do what is easy. And it is pathetically easier for me to be
temporarily satisfied knowing the latest status of all my friends, rather than
in thinking about how I might access grace through the powerful Word or
thinking about how I might benefit another spiritually.
Nothing about Christ dying on the cross was convenient for Him. It wasn’t an easy task that took no effort. Likewise, we shouldn’t expect that imitating Christ should be easy. He suffered and gave his life for His people. Why should we expect to do any less?
As we look
forward to the privilege of being God’s instruments for sanctification in the
lives of other believers, we should embrace the price associated with it and
rejoice in Jesus’ provision of everything we need.
Orginally posted by Melanie Young on domestickingdom.com
Orginally posted by Melanie Young on domestickingdom.com
