Undue influence is tantamount to disaster for a keeper at home. Let's list just a few, the phone, the computer, the TV, friends, family, addictions, personal interests and undeveloped character traits just to name a few.
When I left Vero, I left some bad influences that were causing me some trouble. I mean, I take full responsibility but the influence is still the influence. I have no trouble with that anymore now that I have left it behind. Leave your bad influences behind you. Most of us can't actually leave them so we have to cut them off.
I used to be a long phone talker and still can be when time permits but I have learned NOT to answer the phone and not to talk on it when I shouldn't be. FEEL FREE to screen calls and when someone says, "You're screening calls", say YEP! I am learning to manage my time and home better so I only accept calls when I can. People will respect that. And if not...well, see title. I don't even get up and look to see who it is sometimes if we're busy. Which is more important? Have your Dh ring on a signal if need be...but don't be ruled by the phone!
The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy every good thing so as you begin to tighten up your walk in this area (in any area actually) you may see some increased activity and frustration. If so, REJOICE! For you know that you are being honed enough to make the enemy bristle. Keep on!
Friends or family stopping by and thereby stopping you can be of the Lord and we need to be sensitive to that and always hospitable but we ALL KNOW which friends are eating our time up needlessly. Yeah, it's painful to think about and hear but it is the Truth. It is a hard thing to do to discuss with friends if need be but it will glorify the Lord and make you a better manager of your home. If you are on the receiving end of friends like this, pray about it and ask the Lord to open the opportunity up for discussion with them. If you are on the giving end of this problem, consider this your opportunity! Lol Let your friend(s) know that you realize you may have been doing this and that you will stop! Let us all sharpen each other!
My friend Deb M. from Vero (Hi Deb!) and I came to this realization years ago at the same time (PTL, Lol) and we decided to stop spending an hour and a half or longer on the phone daily! It totally changed my walk in the home and I dare say hers as well.
If you watch any daily TV show, CUT IT OFF. Soap operas are literally from the pit of hell so they are indefensible. I have never watched them but I liked the popular morning news shows...every day. I leave the TV off now unless it is the RIGHT time to be watching. (which, if you're wondering should be almost never) I like TV as much as the next gal but it NEVER rules me. (anymore) (If you have trouble in this area, please email me privately) This is an addiction and should be treated as such.
And finally, the big OUCH. Character traits that need work. Messy house? Cluttered minds. Unruly children? Impossible situations all day long. Lest you think I have no issues here, think again. Anyone who has seen my laundry room or back room on any given day can attest. Kate walks around screaming at the TOP OF HER LUNGS when she wants something and is my first child who layed on the floor and actually screamed and kicked her legs. (temper tantrum?)
Ok boys and girls, can we say "die-to-self?" Lol
You better believe that in the long run I will not end up saying she is a "strong-willed child"...she will be disciplined out of self centered behavior. If you expect them to GROW out of it, you're in trouble. But more on disciplining children in later posts...sensitive issue I KNOW!!!!
Sure we are all in different places on this road but it all boils down to the same thing, lack of discipline. That may be the number one character trait that keeps people from success in anything! Consistency, diligence, disciplining children, addictions...it goes on and on. If you recognize a character trait that needs covering from the Lord, surrender it NOW and let Him begin that work in you.
I come from the most undisciplined background you have probably ever heard of. I have done it all. Seen it all. Lived it all. And it ain't pretty. Lol So I am right there. I am a work in progress and am only beginning to see the fruit of daily Godly living. We tend to think of the "spiritual" things we do as our Godly living. (church activities, ministry to others) but if we are neglecting the home and therefore the family you can be assured that you are outside of God's will. We have to wake up as women and get back to what the Bible calls Holy Living. That is not any outside influence or activity but FIRST keeping the home blessed daily with our hands through the power of the Holy Spirit!
3 comments:
Ouch, there is so much in this post that smarts. The phone is my vice, and it truly is like checking out or leaving your family for the amount of time you are on the phone. I love your topic keep up the good posts.
L
I know. It did me too. The phone for me was a long time ago but the computer now...lol I have to be careful with!
Amen to your wonderful post! I have been praying and working on exactly this. Years ago, the phone was huge problem for me. Now, it can ring and I don't even flinch. My problem is the computer, which is why I don't blog. I am afraid that I will spend more time blogging than doing what I should be doing. :o)
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