What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? What do we have to do to become a disciple of Christ? In Luke 10-14 Christ gives many parables regarding these same questions. I've looked them over and here is a list of traits the we should strive for to become better disciples of Christ:
- Have a Christ-Centered home
- Recieve Him
- Strive to strengthen spirituality
- Pray (doing it properly)
- Seek forgiveness
- Forgive others
- Have faith
- Don't covet
- Don't be worldly
- Seek to bring forth God's Kingdom
- Sacrifice
- Missionary work
- Seek God's will
- Be watchful
- Put Christ 1st
- Keep commandments
- Forsake all we have and are for Him
The one I am choosing to work on is "Don't Covet." This seems to be my vice lately, for whatever reason. I think it is the prospect of building a house in the next year or so and I catch myself getting down and irritated with where I am now. I actually really love our little house and the memories, character, and family history (we live in Dustin's grandparent's house), but I am also feeling oober crammed and jumbled with two kids and two adults in a two bedroom house. I get jealous when I see people in new homes and with all the little comforts I wish I had. I start to get angry and frustrated with my situation and I don't like the person that makes me and how it influences my thoughts and actions. First to vent the little things that drive me crazy, so maybe you can commiserate with me...The floors are old and squeak (wake my kids), the windows are originals and rattle and blow cold air (super annoying durind a windy day/night), the door handles are wobbly and loud (wakes the kids), the kid's door will pop open when you step in verious spots around the house (also wakes them up), I have to place to separte my kids so both can sleep peacefully (again, wakes them up), the nasty hard carpet that stains to easy, we have occassional mice (found one in my washer today...SURPRISE!!), and best of all...our friendly squirrel who visits on occassion. This is not a tiny little chipmunk. I am talking bushy tailed, beady eyed, size of a cat, SQUIRREL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay now that I got that off my chest I can go on. So after countless complaints to my husband and many days filled with bitter hatred for the things I can't change, I decided to fix the things I can change. Instead of seeing all the homes and comforts others enjoy, I work on saving money and getting detailed plans for my own. Also, I am working out my nasty flaws with my Heavenly Father and asking for more patience, humility, gratitude, and ideas of how to better our home. So far, the difference is astounding! Just ask Dusty!! He has come home the last two days to a completely reorganized kitchen and bedroom. I have orders for organizing cubbies on their way and feel that I can be happy in this small space now that I am organizing it. With a shoe rack, a hanging closet organizer, new rug and positive outlook, I am feeling content again. The best part is that I have found great deals and have not spent a lot of money doing all this. I love how Heavenly Father takes my insignificant concerns and lets me know that He cares and is helping me by inspiring me with ideas. Also, I feel that our marriage is better, weird I know, but I think all my nagging and negativity was making Dusty feel like I was unhappy with him and his efforts to provide. This made me sad and I know he doesn't need that burden, so I decided it was time for me to change!
So to relate this back to being a disciple of Christ, I thnk it happens in the little things; our thoughts, our words, our attitudes. Is it wrong to want a new house of my own with more room and new things? No, but my attitude of covetousness was wrong. I shouldn't be jealous and judge based on what others have. I can see how if people keep on this path, that it is destructive and harmful to relationships. And the biggest part to knowing if you are a true disciple of Christ is whether or not you'd be willing to give all that you have and are to/for Him. Would I walk away from my "things" and my new dream home of it was asked of me? Yes. and that knowledge gives me comfort and peace. Worldy goods are useless if we forfeit our eternal blessings. May we strive to seek the Lord's guidance and become better disciples of Christ.
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