"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Phil. 2:1-4 (NIV)
How do you value others above yourself? How do you put this into practice? Some think parenting is a good example of that but not really. I believe I can go through the motions. I can cook the meals and be sure the home is clean and organized. I can do it all out of selfish ambition. The heart is tricky like that.
I heard someone teach this Bible passage in reverence and honor. I was very much bothered by all the work I had to do. Decluttering. Cleaning and getting ready for the next thing. My body was into what I was doing. I was getting tasks done purposefully yet pridefully.
The Bible really convicted me while I was between disposing of bags 6 and 7 out of many others that needed to get out of my home. It turns out, my heart also needed to get decluttered of pride so I could make room for humility.
I saw that I wasn't really valuing my family above myself. I repented right there where I was. I'm glad God forgives.
I realize that before that moment, my motivation to parent was kind of superficial. A copy and past of what I see everyone do. I learned that God has a plan and a way of doing things. I need to embark in the parenting journey with His book in hand.
It takes humility. It takes valuing my family above myself. Help me Holy Ghost.
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