Tag: serving

Posted on by

Parenting Moment: A Servant of Christ or of Our Children?

calendar

Every year, fall brings with it the challenge of deciding on a new fall schedule. What activities do we say yes to, and which ones do we say no to?

When writing the Philippians, Paul introduced himself as a servant of Jesus (see Philippians 1:1). That wording has had me thinking lately about what my calendar says I serve.

It’s all-too-easy to put things on our calendar just because our children want them or because we feel like a good mom would do that activity. And it’s all-too-easy to find ourselves frantic and without time for evangelism and discipleship opportunities.

Remember as you think through your calendar this fall to keep Christ your master, not your children or your own expectations of motherhood or what others think. After all, if we want to raise our children to prioritize Christ, we need to model that for them. We need to train them that life is about God, not them, not just by sacrificing our own desires for them, but also by sometimes teaching them to sacrifice their own desires for God’s priorities. Christ needs to stay the Master.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Philippians 1:1 (ESV)

Posted on by

Short Story: The Boy with the Harmonica

Harmonica

Jaden couldn’t believe the amazing gift his father had given him: his very own harmonica! He quickly mastered the implement and loved playing it.

He began playing it all day. He played it early in the morning before anyone else woke up.

“Stop it!” His brother groaned, rolling over in bed, but Jaden didn’t care. He kept playing.

He played it next to his other brother while he was studying. “Stop it!” His brother pleaded, but Jaden just kept playing. It was kind of fun to annoy him.

He played it instead of doing his own studying and chores, not caring if he got anything else done. Playing the harmonica was all that mattered.

He played it during lunch, making it impossible for anyone to talk at the table. He kept playing, hoping someone would notice how great of a player he’d become.

Jaden finally stopped when he heard his father’s voice summoning him.

“Jaden,” his father said quietly, “why do you think I gave you the harmonica?”

Jaden thought for a minute. “Because you knew I’d like it?”

His father smiled. “Why else do you think?”

Jaden wasn’t quite sure. He looked at his father questioningly.

“I gave it to you to bless others with music. Music can make people smile. It can help pass weary hours. But do you think you’ve used it as a blessing today?”

Jaden thought of his brothers’ reactions. They hadn’t seemed blessed. “No-oo,” he admitted.

His father nodded. “Remember, son, your gift is to bless others, not to serve yourself, annoy your brothers, or get attention. Okay?”

Jaden nodded. He needed to remember the purpose of his gift.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)