By: Lyndsay Crews
It’s shameful honesty time. I like going to my church for the fellowship, sermons and bible study. But I really like going to my church for the free childcare and a mentally secluded spiritual think tank. It refocuses me spiritually for the week. As I leave, I say, “Alright Lord, I’m ready for whatever you have for me.” But as I exit my think tank and re-enter my real world life of ‘mom to 4 small kids’ and all the anxiety-provoking commitments I’ve made, I start with the exceptions. “I’m ready to do whatever you want–except talk to my neighbor…because I don’t have time to invest in another relationship.” Or “I’m ready to do whatever you want–except teach Sunday school …because that’s my time.” Or whatever it is. I’m so busy telling the Lord what I think I’m “ready” to do instead of allowing Him to use me for what He’s ready to do through me.
My heart needs some work because the truth is that I don’t want to do the small, mundane and seemingly insignificant tasks. I want to do the big and important jobs for God. The problem with that mind set is that I’m the one setting the value of the task, not God. As a servant of the Lord, I should be ready for whatever great or menial task He has asked of me. How? Don’t just be on point for the big things, watch for the small jobs too and do them equally well.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” – Luke 16:10
What is God asking of you? Is it something you’re ready and willing to do? Thank God that He choose you to show others who He is and how much He loves them. Ask God to show you how to be obedient no matter what the size of the task.
Dream small!!
Within the framework of obedience, give yourself permission to keep the first things first–this season is so very short. Love your kids, make them independent, love their friends. Because of my physical limitations, I’ve had to say, if it’s not a “Hell yeah!!”, it probably should be a “no.” There are so many good things to do out there. The gut check is whether they are good things or God things. As you spend time with the Father–and that’s a small thing that is NOT to be missed–He will show you what His heart sees as a “Hell yeah!!”
One more thing, don’t forget in the middle of it to live your life before the face of the Father. That’s what praying continually means. Include him as a part of your thoughts, your family activities, and everything else. Use the imagination screen in your mind to choose to see him. Your imagination is like a silk projection screen that has projectors on both sides. You project things on it from your side but as you include Him in your life, He will add things into your imagination from His side. See yourself continually seated with Him in heavenly places as you go about your day–the Bible says that’s where you are so see it in your mind and wait for Him to fill in the details.
Your friend,