November 20, 2020
The apostle Peter urges the church to be holy in 1 Peter 1:14-16 which says, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘ You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” How can we know what holiness is? We can know holiness from the law of God and the example of Christ. How can we ever become holy? As Jesus said in Matthew 19:26b, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Holiness is not something that comes naturally to humans. We are born sinners. As David said in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” We actually delight in our sin as is mentioned in Proverbs 2:14. It takes the work of the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and turn our affections to God rather than our own desires. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph.2:8-9) We are not just changed at the moment of salvation, but the Holy Spirit remains in us working and sanctifying us. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, tells us, “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (4:22-24)
Holiness takes work. Yes, the Holy Spirit must change and guide us, but we are also instructed to work at it! The Philippians are told to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil.2:12b) We must know God’s Word, which requires time to read and study. Our relationship with God should be primary, above even our spouse or children. We make time for our families and friends, and making time to commune with the Lord is even more important. In our busy lives, it can be difficult to find time, so we have to be intentional about making the time. This is especially true for mothers of young children. Times with an infant have been some of the most difficult to find time to study God’s Word and for prayer. Little people can be very demanding on our time! This is when planning and organization are a huge help.
It may feel impossible, but if you are intentional about making time with the Lord, you will be able to schedule the time you need. One of my favorite places to think and pray is the shower. It allows for some nice alone time with the Lord. Am I often interrupted, yes; however, I do still have some good times of thought and prayer. I can ponder over something I’ve heard or read. I can pray and bring my praise and concerns before the Lord. Usually this uninterrupted time happens while the baby is napping. I know that there is a list a mile long of things to do while the baby is napping, but personal cleanliness and holiness can be a priority during that time. If possible, you can try to wake up before your children to have some time with the Lord as the day begins. As someone currently waking at least two times a night with the baby, I understand those who are unable to do this consistently! Some people feel more alert and able to study in the evenings. If this is you, some time alone with God’s Word after the children are in bed would be a great solution. There is nothing wrong with putting children to bed early to grab some quality time with the Lord. As children get older, your example will help them understand not only the importance of time with God but will also show them how it is done. Have a designated spot at the table, chair, or place that you go to read and study God’s Word. Let your children know that when you are there, that is your time with Jesus and you are not to be interrupted unless there is an emergency. Strictly enforce this expectation, and they will learn that this is a very important time that is highly cherished. If your children are old enough to read, have everyone pick a spot in the house that is their “Bible Time Spot”. Everyone can go to their spot at the same time to spend time with the Lord. You may need to structure this time appropriately for children based on their age and whether or not they are believers, but it is a good habit for them to develop. This will also give you uninterrupted time with the Lord as well.
To that momma who feels like she never has enough time, to the momma who doesn’t feel like she has even a minute to herself, be encouraged. Time with the Lord is possible. Treasure this time for the rare gem that it is. Seek it out as the Bread of Life because your soul depends on it! As the Psalmist says in Psalm 1,