Does the Gospel Make a Difference?
February 2010
3 CommentsWhen this post was written: First child (D) was 6 yrs, 7 mo. Second child (B) was 5 yrs, 1 mo. Third child (L) was 3 yrs, 3 mo.
On Monday my friend Kelly showed me this passage and I’ve been thinking on it since then.
I Peter 1:17-21
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Significant in this passage is that we are told to act differently on the basis of our salvation. In other words, remembering the gospel should be a part of my behavior and thoughts. It’s also significant that Peter is writing to an audience who is suffering. Helpful context to remember.
Thinking on the gospel should affect how I interact with my children. When I remember that I was redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, I remember that I’m not here to please myself. I am reminded that good nutrition and a stimulating environment and polite, well behaved children are means to an end, but certainly not the highest priority for me. This week I’ve been challenged when my children ask for help and I’m not really keen to help them. I’ve had to stop being weary of repeating myself, because of these truths.
Thinking on the gospel gives me hope, because the same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that works in my life to make me more like Christ. Just because I don’t always see God working doesn’t mean that he’s not.
That’s all for now. I’m still thinking of this.
How is Scripture changing you this week?
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Today, I am meditating on “A Soft answer turns away wrath.” My child is definately full of wrath and I am striving to be Christ-like by responding in a loving, kind way. These are good thoughts from you too
1 Nicole said this (February 3, 2010 at 4:08 pm)
I like it Nicole. Thankfully, we learn slowly– and God’s mercy is new as we renew our minds. That’s a good passage to remember.
2 Michelle said this (February 4, 2010 at 12:25 pm)