Condemnation vs Conviction...Lies Study Chapt. 5...Juggling Priorities

I'm posting the Lies Women Believe study a day early, because tomorrow, I will be doing a special Valentine's Day post on love. Before I delve into Chapter Five's study on Lies Women Believe about Priorities, I wanted to address something that has been brought to my attention during some recent discussions with some of my in real life friends taking part in this study.

It's no secret that we love grace here, and I believe that if we look in scripture, we find grace for all of the topics we have been covering in this book. Some parts are tough, I'm not going to lie. (Pun intended! =) It's important as we're reading this book, to guard against some of the attacks that can creep up and distract us from the true point of the lesson. If Satan can't get us by deceiving us one way, he will try another. If you're struggling with some of the opinions shared by the author of the book, I would recommend studying out the scriptures listed at the end of the chapter and ask the Lord to speak to your heart on that issue. Let His word minister to you, rather than the author's thoughts alone. It's a good idea to measure everything we hear against scripture. I believe this book is full of truth and encourages us to think differently about some of the ideas that have been ingrained in us as women. Sometimes it can be really hard to let go of some of those thought processes.

So, if you are struggling with some of these concepts, I want to encourage you. The point is not for you to feel condemned, hopeless, discouraged, or fearful. If you are feeling that way, you are experiencing condemnation....and that is never from God. When God reveals sin in our hearts, He uses conviction. Conviction sometimes has a bit of a sting...but it feels much like that of a loving father chastising us...not an accuser, taking away all our hope and leaving us defeated and hopeless. Conviction is from the Lord. It brings hope that we can find forgiveness for the areas where we are weak...that we can have victory where we have experienced failure. It is loving and for our ultimate good. It's important to discern between the two, and let go of the ideas that are making you feel condemned. It is my hope and prayer that this book will encourage you in your walk with the Lord...not discourage you. I really do feel that it would help for us to share and discuss, whether we have differing opinions on the concepts in the book...either in the comments or the Blog Frog. The study will be much more effective if we are sharing our thoughts and praying specifically for one another. I appreciate those of you who have offered some input.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2

Having said that, let's dig into this week's study on Lies Women Believe About Priorities. I believe this is one of the biggest struggles for me as a woman living in today's world. I have shared my battle often, to balance my time with the Lord, caring for the needs of my family, serving at church, serving and leading Sufficient Grace Ministries, and working full time at the elementary school. It's a lot to balance, and sometimes the priorities get out of order. When they do, all the balls I'm juggling come tumbling down around us.

Lie Number 18: I don't have time to do everything I'm supposed to do.

I have a lot to do, and a lot of roles to fulfill. Sometimes this lie/excuse seems valid for me. But, the truth is there is enough time to accomplish what God has planned for this day. Just not necessarily what I've planned for the day.

Another thing I'll admit is that I completely stink at time management. I take on more than I should and always underestimate the amount of time a task is going to take. God...and frankly Tim...are working on me about this. The truth is I could accomplish much more, and do it more effectively if I managed time better and worked to stay organized. My friend Lynette always says it's important not to step over those we love in order to go serve others. We must first take care of our family, before seeking other ministries. I'll admit, I don't always keep these priorities in line. I'm often convicted when I place a ministry need above that of my family. Things always work better when we do them in the proper order.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10


Lie Number 19: I can make it without consistent time in the Word and prayer.

I would never say that I believe this, but the way I live would tell a different tale. I often rush out in my busyness...wielding my to-do list...flying by the seat of my pants. Soon, energy is depleting...things aren't falling into place....and then I realize, I went out in my own power instead of asking God to cover me in His armor. As I'm writing, it seems crazy to try and take one step or even think one thought without seeking Him. And, yet I'm guilty of doing just that.

The truth is...I don't have time NOT to pray and seek wisdom from His Word. I will never be the woman God wants me to be...all that He intends for my life without spending time with Him.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:147

Lie Number 20: A career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling than being a wife and a mother.

Being a wife and mother is a privilege and a blessing. Our families need us to make them the top priority. It takes time, energy, and focus to care for our home and families with love and diligence. I know that parts of this chapter may have been difficult for some mothers, who also juggle a career with family. I am a busy working mother, myself, and understand the dilemma. You will find no judgment, nor condemnation from me on the subject of working outside the home. I will say this. There have been times when my choice to work full time and lead a ministry have left me feeling stretched, out of order with priorities, weary, and not giving my family my best. My house gets messy and disorganized and I grow discouraged at my inability to keep up.

I don't work outside the home for the sake of fulfillment, but to supplement our family income, for necessary reasons that Tim and I have discussed and covered in prayer. I would rather be home, keeping up on things. I'm grateful God has provided me a job that works around my children's schedule so that I haven't had to leave them. When they were young, I was home with them for most of their early years. And, when I was away for two hours a day, working part time, their grandmother watched them. I'm grateful that I can work with students who are a great blessing to me, and teachers whom I admire and respect. I'm grateful for snow days and getting paid when I'm home with a sick child. I'm grateful for substitutes, paid holidays, and a steady pay check.

I want to just say, that I think God is much less concerned about our position than He is the attitude of our hearts. Busyness and outside of home activities can steal our joy and lead us into wrong thinking...but the same can happen from our homes. What matters is keeping our list of priorities: God, family, church/ministry/work. Where is my heart focused? What matters to me? Do I show that in the way I live? Sometimes...but sometimes I need to check myself, because I'm not living it. Where do I look for support and direction? Women were busy in biblical times, as well. This is not some new thing. Distraction and busyness...while an effective tool have come in different forms over the years.

I do think some have fallen for this deception...thinking a career seems more fulfilling. Let's face it, laundry and dishes are far from glamorous. And, training up children can be a grueling, albeit rewarding task. There is much sacrifice and little instant gratification. You pour your heart and soul into caring for your family, and don't always see instant results like you do at work. Sometimes it feels as if no one sees...but God does. He sees the love you pour into your family. And, He will honor your obedience. Whether mothering while balancing work outside the home...or mothering from home full time...your family is your main job and should get your best effort. Keep on keepin' on sister...and remember you are covered in grace. God cares much more about the attitude of your heart than your position...or your perfect performance.

Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:4

If you're still out there reading, I'd love to hear from you! In the comments or the Blog Frog...