"I-Ness"…A World-Wide Epidemic
A young woman, about to be a mother for the first time, made the following comment to me:
“I haven’t decided if I’m going to quit my job or not when the baby’s born. I may…I think I would like it.”
I hope the faultiness of this statement jumps out at you. It’s one word: “I”.
I don’t mean to harp on the subject…but it’s at the root of almost everything we talk about on this blog. It’s a world-wide epidemic infecting every nook and cranny of our existence. It’s “I-ness”…self-centeredness.
Even the church is preaching a gospel opposite what Jesus preached. Christianity is not for the faint-hearted; in a nutshell, Jesus’ ministry was wrapped up in one doctrine: “Deny yourself”. Ouch. That’s hard! I’m hearing more and more, in Christian circles, “but I need time for me, you know, so I can better serve my family”. There is some truth in that, but it’s been greatly distorted. “Time for me” has turned into an underlying current nagging at her heart that constantly compels her to feel overworked and misunderstood. That’s not the road Christ asked us to walk.
Here was our Savior, gripped with anguish over the torturous hours that awaited him…kneeling with towel and basin, to wash the feet of those flawed, imperfect men who would soon deny they even knew the one who had tenderly nurtured them these years.
That’s our last picture–His last earthly act, screaming loud and clear “IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!”
Dear ones, given this precious and painful example, how then should we live?
This young woman who thought she might “enjoy” staying home…and thousands like her…they need to see and hear and touch and feel a generation of women who are taking up their crosses daily with their families. Not begrudgingly, but with a strength of joy that braves all the tumultuous seasons of life. A denying of self until self is merely an empty vessel through which pure love can pour out onto those around us. This is Jesus in shoe leather…and motherhood affords us such a precious opportunity to become more like Him!
Let’s keep the picture Christ left with us alive. We can kneel too…we can look up into the faces of our husbands and children, exhausted as we may be, even maybe in anguish about the trials of life…and we can wash their feet, partaking in the sufferings of Christ, counting it all joy, knowing that this present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that is to come.
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motherhood | Word Warrior | 
September 6, 2007 10:39 am
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Exactly, W.W.! When we trust in God’s Word and obey it, we put our personal desires and feelings second to that. It is like walking into unknown territory, with confidence, because you have been informed (by God) that you will succeed there. Kind of reminds me of Abraham’s journey…We are to walk in faith, not by our own knowledge. What seems right to us can turn out to be foolishness and vanity, but as long as we follow God, we will do well. I know that after a while, our desire will become only to please Him….and selfishness diminishes and begins to fade away….How sweet!
-B.
I think that if sef-centeredness and a lot of ‘me (Me! ME!) time’ could make people fulfilled, we wouldn’t see the degree of bitterness, frustration and disappointment that is so prevalent in our culture today. Obviously, the ME-mindset is incapable of bringing us true happiness; you are only shining with joy when you’re full to the brim with needs of others.
true happiness is a byproduct of service to others—not of oneself.
So true!! So many times I get asked (even by my own mother!) “When do you get TIME FOR YOURSELF?” Well, I had that before my kids came along and figure I’ll have it again when they’re older.
I think if moms put a bit more emphasis on serving their family, there would be less marital problems and less problem/delinquent children out there.
Not that it’s always easy to do!!
Great post.
I agree! Great post!
Hugs,
Carmen
Lovely post. I’m so encouraged.
Blessings,
~Toni~
This reminds me that probably the BEST way to change people’s attitudes about children is to let them see me ENJOYING my children.
Narcissism is our culture’s religion constantly telling us “You deserve this. You deserve that. It’s all about you”. How refreshing it is to hear how Jesus example is comletely contrary.
What an encouragement! Thank you for putting motherhood in perspective. I think we all need to meditate on these truths frequently.