Mom Heart Moments #271

I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

OUR FAMILY WAS ONCE AT a party when the sweet hostess offered each of the children a soda. Sarah and Joel turned to me with big eyes, shocked. “Mom, can we really have this all by ourselves?” When out to dinner as a family, we had often told them since drinks were expensive, we would just order one drink to share, or have everyone drink water. I think having to share helped them to be more thankful. Individual sodas made this a true celebration in their books!

But we weren’t only focusing on frugality in those situations; we were also trying to make them understand the idea of self-denial just a bit more. Children can easily become the focus of well-intentioned mothers. Wanting to meet their needs, win their hearts, give affection, speak words of life, and give the best instruction can sometimes mean that before the family knows it, the children have become the center of life. Of course, I do believe moms need to turn their hearts toward home. But Christ and His Kingdom work must always be the center of those homes.

Our children are not big enough to be the goal of our lives! Only serving God can fill that position. If we make our children and their wants the center of everything, they will wind up stunted by the selfishness that has been allowed to remain in their hearts.

To really love a child means to consider what is best for the long-term character of that child. Because all of us are sinful and oriented to ourselves, a loving mom will train her children not to be selfish and will lead them and help them learn to give up their lives in service of others.

Do you tend to make your children the center of your home life? What adjustment might be helpful or necessary?