Loving our husbands and children, being self-controlled and pure, being busy at home, being kind and submitting to our husbands are all ways in which Christ's love can be practically applied in our lives. They are not natural- selfishness and greed are. So when people see us doing these things, they'll wonder how (and why) we are doing them. This opens the door for us to share the gospel.
The reason we do these things is found in Titus 2.
Verse 5: "so that the Word of God may not be reviled."
Verse8: "so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."
Verse 10: "so that in everything [we] may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior."
God calls us to these virtues so that His Word may be seen as transformational, so that enemies will have nothing to accuse us of and so that we can wear the gospel. He wants us to be a picture of His grace and mercy.
When we put on these virtues, there will be practical benefits. Our husbands will probably love us in return. Our children will probably grow into loving, caring, responsible adults. Our lives will probably be free of addictions. Our homes will most likely be organized and clean. People will probably like us.
But the real reason we do what we do is Christ. That His name would be honored and glorified. I know I can't do it all on my own, but through His strength I can love others well.
When we strive to be Titus 2 women, calling on Christ for His strength to help us- we demonstrate the gospel and its transformational power in our lives.
I don't know about you, but that's what I want : )
I agree with everything you've said, 100 percent. My question would be, "How do we, as SAHMs or even WAHMs, carry out the Great Commission?" When you are single or without children, it's easy to drop everything and serve just about anywhere, day or night, for any period of time. Not so with young children. What does serving look like for a Mom with young children? What is the ideal?
ReplyDeleteWe must NEVER forget that our children are our most important mission field! It's not glamorous, by any means, but every diaper change, every peanut-butter and jelly is service to Him. We are called to make disciples, and we should start in our very own homes.
ReplyDeleteMotherhood takes up SO MUCH time, but if every aspect is done with Him in mind, with a graceful and merciful heart, it's the most important kind of mission work.
So- I urge you to have a happy heart as you care for your children, and to actively read and discuss the Word with them (even if they're little), talk about sin and forgiveness, and teach them the ways that God's people are to live.
Don't be discouraged. You have a highly valuable job!!
(And just wait. It won't be too long before they are out of the house and you are wondering how you are to serve next...)
I agree! There's been a movement among some Christian pastors/authors lately promoting "radical" Christianity (i.e. Francis Chan in "Crazy Love." In their view, unless everyone who calls himself or herself a Christian sells EVERYTHING and moves to say, the Sudan, where you are threatened with death every day for your faith, then you are not truly living out your faith and may not even be saved. Surely not everyone is called to that, are they? What about the faithful servants who stay behind to clean church toilets or bring food to the widows here at home?
ReplyDeleteExactly.
ReplyDeleteRoss and I have talked a lot about missions work. We give faithfully to many missionaries.
While it would be amazing and glamorous to be out on the field- somebody has to stay home and make the money to support those whose entire day is spent sharing the gospel.
We can't ever underestimate what can be done for God's glory. EVERYTHING can! Even cleaning church toilets : )