"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
This verse provoked a few questions in my mind....
1. Does my life reflect this verse to my children?
2. What do my children think is most important to me?
3. Am I seeking first the kingdom of God?
4. How should that look in my daily life?
Am I maintaining a joyful, grateful attitude throughout the day? (Sadly, there are days that I do not! But I know that it is commanded to me to do so). "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
Am I exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit? "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" These are qualities that I must pray for and work on on a daily basis.
Do I do all things without arguing or complaining? "Do all things without complaining and disputing..." Philippians 2:14 I have noticed time and time again that my children act and react just like I do. My heart is warmed when I see one of them patiently helping another one, or sweetly playing with or reading a story to another....but I am equally dismayed when I hear them complain about a chore or exhibit a poor attitude, especially when I know that they learned it from me! I must strive at all times to be a good example for them. When times are hard, I need to teach them to take it to the Lord in prayer, and not resort to grumpiness.
When I have anxieties, how do I deal with them? How am I teaching my children to respond to stress? "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
I have put this verse into practice over and over again. It really does work!
Am I hiding God's Word in my heart? Do I share these Scriptures with my children at appropriate times? Do they know that God's Word is hidden in my heart by the way that I live my life? "Your Word have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against You." Psalm 119:11
Do my children know that I am seeking God and His Kingdom first because they see me pray and read my Bible? But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
Am I thankful? "in everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Am I thankful for all things? Not just the pleasant times, but truly thankful for everything?
Do I desire to fellowship with and assemble with other Christians? If the Lord is important to me, then being with people of like-minded faith will be important too. We can be so encouraged by other Christians. "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
I desire to seek first the kingdom of God, and my prayer is that with the Lord's help, I can live my life in such a way that my children will always know that God is the most important part of my life.
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love this post because I SO needed this reminder. I often do my quiet time after the children are in bed or before they get up in the morning. I should do it where they can see me.
ReplyDeleteI am also bad about not sharing scripture with them-that is something else that I need to be more in the habit of.
I need to ask myself that question more. I'll have to get the book. It sounds good.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post! I came across your blog last week from a link on Boomama's blog and wanted to let you know you have already been such an encouragement to me. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, made me think about how to reconcile obligations & options available. How will I seek the Kingdom, and His rule in my life. - thanks always.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Roan! Sounds like the book was very helpful! It is difficult to maintain the balance between exercise and idolatry, and this was just what I needed to read today.
ReplyDeleteHi Sweet Roan!
ReplyDeleteI ask myself many of these same questions often, and it truly does help to do some self examining. I am constanly trying to be a better reflection of Christ and His priorities, though of course I often fall very short. So thankful that we serve such a patient and loving God, and one that is always willing to help us do better!! The perfect teacher!!
Have a blessed week, gal, and thanks for sharing this lovely reminder!
Becky
Thank you for sharing this! I miss you being right around the corner for play dates and talks! Love you!
ReplyDelete