Today, at church, our Pastor read from Romans 12. The verse that captured me was 3b
“..In accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
I enjoyed this thought of God giving each of us a measure of faith. So many times we use comparison, comparison is NOT a gift from above, to believe that we need to be more spiritual. Is it that we each have our own talents, gifts, AND a personal measure of faith that we are in charge of? All we have to “worry” about is achieving what God has for us.
This is NOT to use as an excuse for not reading the Bible, praying, telling others about the Lord, etc. But I do see this as a freedom from comparing our spiritual life to others. “Betty is so faithful, I wish I could be more like her. I have so much doubt and feel so insignificant.” God has given you a measure of faith and He has a plan for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
This also goes the other way. We may need to change the way we speak of our family members i.e. ”Baby Christians”. Or haven’t you heard people say “I can’t believe that person is a Christian?”. Do we pray for them and ask God to increase their measure for His blessings? What about to pray for ways for us to be more compassionate and realize that anyone can be under a microscope and not “measure” up. Maybe we are just all Christians that are in different times in our lives with their “measure of faith” at that time.
Isn’t it so wonderful that God has it all planned and measured each accordingly? He knows what we are to be. Let’s measure ourselves to God’s standards for us, not others.
Blessings,
Debbie
January 20, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I have been involved with some home schooling moms, and are in fact friends with a few, and often find myself questioning my childrearing direction and level of faith after spending time with them.
Although I do the best I can, I know that I dont have what it takes to homeschool my children. I DO on the other hand know that faith begins at home, and that its my duty as a parent to bring them to the Lord. Its my duty to give them the opportunity to know their savior and appreciate all that salvation history has for them to know.
I truly believe that we are all a part of Gods divine plan, and that we are all human. We are all sinners in need of redemption. I think that YES, some people have been able to let go of themselves and trust in Gods providence more than others. Yes, some people have a masters degree in theology and I may never know as much as them. But does it really matter? If I homeschool or if I dont?
If anyone has ever read the book of Matthew they would know that Jesus came to bring the glory of the Kingdom not only to Israel, but to ALL men.
I must not allow myself to cast judgment on the plight of others, or on their rewards. God has given me all that I have(material things, understanding, measure of faith etc.)for this very point in time. Its my choice to let God work in me to bring others a glimpse of him in this life, and its my choice to let other things distract me from that goal.
I want heaven, and I want it for my children. I want it for everyone. I want it for you.
I dont have to homeschool my children to instill the gift of faith in them.
I do on the other hand have to allow for plenty of mistakes and forgiveness, laughter and fun, prayer and charity.
I admire my homeschooling friends, and their diligence.
I also admire anyone who can reach out a hand to help those who are lacking in their faith.
So, I agree with you Debbie.
Let us pray for eachother, that God will increase our faith and understanding of what it means to love.
God Bless!
January 20, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I loved this post and mom4christ I loved your response.
One of my life slogans is “comparison brings death”
I’ve wrestled with homeschooling, I was homeschooled and often feel the pressure from friends. I homeschooled for 4days this year and realized it’s o.k. that its not for our family. You could say I got set free! My kids love Jesus and are salt and light in their schools. It has brought life to our family and given them a platform I couldn’t have all on my own. We have to ask Jesus what HE wants us to do and obey and trust Him. He made our little ones and He knows what is best for them.
I think there’s is great danger in saying there is a cookie cutter way to educate a child. Each year we committ to ask Jesus what he is saying for our family, and for each of our children. We pray about all our options and ask Jesus for wisdom.
I encourage you on in doing what’s best for your children and your family. Hear the voice of the Lord saying, “this is the way walk in it” even if it looks different than everyone around you.
January 21, 2008 at 9:23 am
Mom4Christ –
Thanks for your wonderful comment. It is so hard to be strong with what we are doing when others may not support it. I don’t know if your friends put the pressure on you or you put it on yourself (reg homeschooling) but make sure you know where it comes from. If it’s them you may need to have a chat. If it’s you then find some ways to support the decisions that you and your family have made. Write little slips of paper about why you do what you do and carry them with you when you around a situation that causes you to feel pressure.
Bessings to you and keep up the good work for your family!
January 21, 2008 at 9:27 am
Artlady-
It is so hard to not feel the pressure in the Christian “world” to do things a certain way. We need to be around people that challenge us but not put us down. I always say that if it’s not in the Bible then it’s up for debate. I don’t think homeschooling is in the Bible (unless I have missed it)
I agree so much with your cookie cutter philosophy. We aren’t all the same..God has made us all so beautifully different.
May God bless your day! Thanks for your comment