Response to Responsibility

Responsibility in life, summarized in family and house, can be a continuous opportunity to demonstrate dying to self

Tags: responsibility, gift of family, our daily bread, Loading...

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Responsibility. Yuck... This is one I struggle and struggle with. At the core of my issues, I have realized my hesitation to "die to self" (i.e., be unselfish). Responsibility often means putting our immediate needs and wants before others. As a husband and father, I now live a life of continuous opportunity to put others before myself. When I fall into my sinning nature, my sin spreads quickly to those I love most - my family. In support of that family, there is a house and of course, the mortgage that goes with it. That means LOTS of time spent in ways I'd rather not in the service of an employer keen on consuming as much time as possible in the spirit of constant growth.

All of these things sound bad, and I can choose to focus on these aspects of these pieces of my life. However, how much joy also exists with each of them? Yes, it costs money to live in a house. But we have such comfort that very few in the world can truly appreciate. We build more happy memories in this building than I ever imagined. We share life together, and with visiting family and friends.

My wife and each of my kids are incredible gifts. Despite my short-comings, my wife shows constant grace. In addition, she serves me like I never deserve (hmmm... was this part of God's design to help me understand His gift?). My kids continue to look up to me in a way I know I don't deserve. All of this motivates me all the more to live up to their expectations in service to them. When I can accomplish this, guess what, I am dying to self with a motivation that is right with God. Enjoy your family and the home you build together each and every day.