An opportunity to become more like Christ

The last part of my post the other day on thinking of motherhood as being a living sacrifice reminded me of a more general Christian truth that came into clearer focus for me a few weeks ago--namely, that we should delight in every opportunity that gives us the chance to be more like Jesus.

I was convicted about this several weeks ago when I found myself often grumbling and complaining in my heart (and sometimes with my mouth) and grudgingly going about service to my family. I was perturbed when Adam or Katie would ask me to do something for them, I muttered as I washed dishes and vaccuumed floors, etc. Somewhere along the line, the Holy Spirit mercifully intervened and opened my eyes, not only to my sinful attitude, but also to the beautiful opportunity that I was missing out on. Specifically, He reminded me of Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..."

Now, in no way do I find any modicum of equality when I compare the tasks of homemaking to the suffering that Jesus underwent for our sins. And yet...in a very, very, very small way, I do think that the Lord was/is calling me to consider the tiny deaths I die to self when I serve my family as a minute way of sharing in Christ's sufferings. And this sharing in His sufferings is meant to be a thing of JOY, for it means FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST! Oh, that I would delight, then, when my husband or child asks me to do something that will cause me to sacrifice in some way, because in that moment I am being given the chance to draw near to Jesus and fellowship with Him, the Servant King.

"He who prays for holiness will one day praise for happiness!"

Charles Spurgeon

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

John 13:14-17

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:25-28