Before parenthood, staying out late is not a problem because you can sleep in the next day. Your career may dominate your days. When going out on the weekend, no babysitter is needed. Money goes towards a new outfit for you, a book you have been wanting to read, new bedding for your room, a new vehicle or a down payment on a new home.
As parenthood begins, staying out late is not an option; though, staying UP late and at all hours of the night is required. Your days revolve around when the kids need picked up, changing diapers, feeding mouths, receiving hugs and kisses and saying "I love you" fifty times a day. Things never go as planned. Money now goes towards clothes for the kids, the newest Barney or Dora, new bedding for your room (not because you want it, but because your child decided to get sick all over it in the middle of the night), a new vehicle (a Power Wheel) or a new home (a dollhouse).
Both lifestyles work and function well. But, they differ on so many levels. We choose the lifestyle we wish to lead. Some decisions require little change; while others require a 180 degree turn. Some choices allow us to continue on the same path, just shift our feet a bit. Other choices demand us to run as far away from the current path and find the one intended for that choice.
"so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," (Colossians 1:10)
"You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." (Colossians 3:7-8)
Choosing to enter parenthood or not will not determine where you spend eternity. But, there is a decision that will. . .
When you decide to follow Christ and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, life will turn 180 degrees. You give your life to God. The old ways of life die and a new, joyous way of life is born. Each decision now corresponds with Christ's Way of living. You abandon the path walked before and now find a fresh new path with assignments lined up for you. These assignments come from our Creator and help Him further His Kingdom. You live in a way to please only Him.
You demanded it be your way in marriage. Using colorful language to express opinions seemed necessary. You could walk past litter without picking it up; after all, YOU did not do it. Sleep trumped church, music with negative messages blared in the car, TV sitcoms portraying sinful lifestyles intrigued your mind and life revolved around YOU. The path you walked appeared wide and broad. So many other people walked with you. Yet, you felt so empty and alone!
Following Christ requires discipline, giving up the old (fleshly) life and changing paths to the small and narrow. Washed clean, you change the sinful things which consumed your life. Strength comes only from Him and life no longer revolves around YOU. God becomes the center and a joy and peace fill the void. Only He can fill that void. You may find yourself from time to time walking this new path with few people; but, you will not feel empty or forsaken. This new path leads to Eternal life.
Though, both lifestyles work and keep going; only one leads to the prize for which God has called on our lives. Which lifestyle will you choose? Are you willing to give it all up for Him and turn 180 degrees?
God, thank you for this day. Thank You for accepting me, loving me and guiding me down the narrow path laid for my life. Continue to show me the things of this world I must give up to continue following You. If there be any offensive way in me, reveal that to me and lead me in Your way. Thank You for saving me from my destructive lifestyle on the broad and wide path. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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