“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Romans 8:29
The fall is one of the most beautiful times in Albuquerque and probably my favorite season. Leaves changing colors. The smell of green chile being roasted cutting through the cool, crisp air. The almost daily occurrence of hot-air balloons ascending. The kids going back to school.
This last item also means 8 o’clock bedtimes are back in effect! This little “luxury” affords the time for my wife and me to spend some time catching up and connecting with each other (as well as the not-so-holy watching of SportsCenter or the Dodgers’ game.
But almost on a nightly basis, upon putting our four small kids to bed, one of them will come out of their room—usually within five minutes—to tell us they have to go to the bathroom (again!), there’s a monster in their closet (again!), their bed’s sheets are messed up (again!), they need socks (again!) . . . you get the picture.
On most nights, these moments from my kids cramp the time that I had already allocated to me. I rarely look at these “inconveniences” as opportunities to disciple, love, and serve my children.
If they are being frightened by something, these opportunities give me the chance to lead my children in praying aloud in the name of Jesus to rebuke demons. If they feel unsettled about something that happened during the day, these opportunities give me the chance to check in with my kids, ask them what is bothering them and making them sad, or just cuddling with them for a while. A lot of times, the opportunities just show me that my children enjoy my presence and have something they want to tell me.
One of the purposes of God saving us from our sins is to bring the good work of his salvation to completion by making us more like his true and only Son, Jesus. This is not only to the glory of God alone, but also to the immense and everlasting joy of each of us he calls to be his children.
Scripture and life show us that God grows us by continually molding us and shaping us through the experiences he takes us through.
For me, part of this conforming process looks like pointing out my selfishness and laziness in loving and serving my children.
What about you? What are the “inconveniences” in your life that God is using to shape you into the image of Jesus?
Let’s thank God for his faithfulness toward us by not simply allowing us to get our way.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
