Originally published Monday, 08 January 2018.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Now, I’m going to start this post by asking you a few deep questions. As a woman, wife, or mother, I want you to think back for a moment of how it was when you were growing up. How was your childhood? How were your teenage years? What about your young adult years? Were there some things that you witnessed either through your parents, upbringing, or your circle of friends that were hard to take in, maybe even hurtful? Are there some things in your life that you would do differently?
Most people across the globe grew up in dysfunctional homes or experienced broken relationships. Realistically, it just happens. I know all about it. So again, look back for a moment. How were things for you? Some have experienced parents doing drugs in the home, men coming in and out of their mother’s life, living with grandparents, because the home environment wasn’t good or safe enough to raise a child. Some kids witnessed their parents go through a separation or divorce. Some grew up with a lot of fighting or arguments. Some experienced abuse of some kind. And even more were brought up living in a home or environment without Christ or not taught biblical principles to live by.
But of course, we have those good memories, right? The ones that make us smile. The ones that we can sit down and reflect upon for a good few minutes. Yeah. I know about those. ;-) We all have those beautiful moments. At least, I hope.
Yet, have you ever heard of the good, the bad, and the ugly? Meaning, whether you were in a family, friendship, relationship, job, or church, did you ever notice the good, the bad, and the plain old ugly? I know that I have. And of course, I’ve learned things from them all. As I’m sure you have as well.
However, my point here is looking at your life, today. What would you do differently as a Christian mother, today? What would you do differently as a Christian wife, today? What would you do differently as a Christian woman, today? Think about that for a moment. Are there some things in your life right now that you could do better?
Would you spend more time with your kids, pray with them more, teach them the Word of God more (even if your kids are older, you can still pray with and for them, talk to them about Jesus, and do amazing things with them). If you’re a wife, what could you do differently, today? Could you be more respectful, helpful, submissive, encouraging, romantic, spontaneous, fun, etc.?
As a Christian woman, friend, co-worker, co-laborer, could be more loving, friendly, forgiving, compassionate, kind, and helpful? Could you go a bit deeper in the things of God this year, than last year? Could you pray more, do a fast, cultivate your gifts and talents, grow in your skillset, help the poor or less fortunate more etc. The list could go on and on.
We’re told in the Bible to show our faith in action. This means at home and outside the home. James 2:14 and 17 says, “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith, but don’t show it by your actions…So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Hence, this is where the popular verse that many like to say, “Faith without works is dead.” It’s talking about what you do with your faith. It goes beyond profession. We must display it in action to others. That’s how others are strengthened, encouraged, and blessed. In the end, they can’t help but give God the glory, because of our good deeds. Amen! ;-)
The fact is, God wants us to continue growing in our faith and growing to be more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is right here to lead and guide us. Because the truth is we can change. We can become better. We can be better influencers in our homes and beyond. We can be greater lights to a dying, dark world. But it will take us doing something different to accomplish it. Remember my motto, “Nothing happens until you start moving.” That’s all about faith in action! So let God do a new thing in you today, my sister.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.
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