Awhile ago I asked my husband for advice. I was finally getting up just a few minutes before my children were, and there wasn’t enough time to blog and do my devotions. I was working on the computer first, since I’d rather my children see me reading my Bible than do the computer. Trouble was, I didn’t always get to my Bible reading. Several times I was convicted as I quickly grabbed my Bible and set the computer aside when I heard the children padding down the hall. Gulp.

I told my husband that the memory of my mom constantly reading her Bible in front of us was my spiritual reason for doing devotions while the children are awake.

My husband kindly pointed out that doing right for the sole purpose of being seen of my children is wrong. He was right, but I rather ignored him for awhile and kept doing computer, then squeezing my devotions in later. Or as soon as the kids were asleep, instead of reaching for my Bible first, I’d reach for the computer (I’ll do my devotions later when the kids are up). How deceitful are our hearts! I don’t think the goal of visible devotions is a bad one, but I do think it’s possible for that goal to replace the desire for time with God for its own sake. That’s what happened to me, anyway.

I had became a Pharisee. Jesus quotes Isaiah when he described the Pharisees and me: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8) The knowledge that my children are learning from me should cause me to examine my life, but the basis of change shouldn’t be my children. I wonder if there are other areas where I am more concerned with what my children are learning about me, than whether I have grieved my Savior.

Similar Posts:

• Quiet Morning
• The Center of My Life?
• The Center of My Life, Reprint
• Battles in the Bible
• Resolutions

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed under: Humility, Introspection