You Be the Judge
Posted in Daily Focus on Sunday, July 13, 2014
Let's face it. When you live together 24/7, a homeschooling family is bound to have disagreements and disputes. Our family was no exception. Daily, I found myself settling conflicts between my children over insignificant issues. While they were young, I realized my direct involvement was necessary in helping my children talk out their differences. However, as they grew older, I encouraged my children to resolve more and more of their own conflicts. Instead of me listening to their complaints and acting as a judge and jury, they learned to take responsibility for their actions and resolve their hurts and disagreements in Christ-like love. As my role became less, my children learned a valuable lesson — judging their actions honestly before God usually eliminated others from having to do so.
As Christians, the Bible also commands us to judge ourselves. To judge ourselves rightly, we must lose the total self-life that seeks only to please itself. Judging our actions and thoughts in the light of God's Word, we become Christ-conscious, not self-conscious. Just as importantly, we become Christ-controlled rather than self-controlled. All that is selfish is laid at the feet of Jesus as we recognize that in our self "dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18). Judging ourselves also involves valuing others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and becoming selfless instead of practicing self-esteem.
What about you? Do you have trouble with your fleshly nature that cries out to please itself? Homeschooling can bring out the worst in our character as we face the daily pressures of raising a family and teaching them at home. If you find yourself demanding that everything go according to your plans in order to make your own life easier, you may want to follow some good advice: "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (1 Corinthians 11:31).
Lord, examine my selfish heart and reveal those things that fail to honor You. Please, forgive me when I fail to act like Your servant and show me again how I can consider the members of my own family as more important than me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(9 comments)
PATTI C 07/13/2010 10:36:30
Love this~! Thank you..
TAMI S 07/13/2011 06:18:55
Just what I needed to hear this morning! Right on time!
CAROLYN M 07/13/2011 06:59:06
Carolyn M
This was an awesome truth. I grew up in a home where pleasing my parents by doing things their way only was a priority. I try to allow my kids to help even if what they do isn't the way I would have done it. I pray that they grow to give others the same room. I read this to my 12 yr old. As any mother of a preteen knows this is a difficult time in a child's life. I pray for her to become what God wants. Right now she only sees what she desires, but I know God can change that.
JANE J 07/13/2011 12:31:33
Well, we have no excuse after reading that DO WE? With five children in our home, HOME school is actually happening 24 hours a day. Thanks for a good reminder. After all, they will only be here a FEW more years.
GWYNETH K 07/13/2012 05:16:45
Thank you, Lord! I needed to hear this.
KATHY S 07/13/2012 06:22:03
Similar to Carolyn M. ,
My Mom was very \"precise\" in everything she did. We would do things over until it was right. She was very patient and loving, but I am no perfectionist.
I love her with all my heart, and she is a wonderful Mother. But now that she\'s reaching 75 years old, I find it easier to just kind of \"scoot\" her out of her kitchen (or what ever room in her house we are trying to work in together) and do all the work myself. I have alot of patience, but, so much easier than being told that I\'m using the wrong spoon, or what ever!lol)
And, I am very laid back with my son, at 13 yrs. they are going through so much as it is, I don\'t feel like I need to be critical.
And I believe the \"laid back\" approach works for he and I. He always helps me, he\'s well behaved, and we rarely argue. And I do the same for him. I set an example of unselfish love and he has followed. If I can say anything good about my life, it\'s being my son\'s Mom. He is my Joy !
MICKI W 07/13/2012 08:31:22
Gods timing is so perfect! My oldest 2 are 9 & 11... I have been judge and jury up to now, but it is time for that to change. Thank you for these awesome devotions.
TABITHA J 07/13/2012 15:55:14
My mom seeks to control her children, even when they are married and out on their own. She did this to both my husband and me until we told her to stop. My husband\'s parents don\'t even tell us what to do at all, they will give advice when we ask for it, just not orders.
laura williams 07/14/2014 13:04:01
Oooh.....ouch!!! Definitely the reminder and prayer that I need right now!!!