Living With Your FamilySample

WHO’S THE PROBLEM?

Having more time to spend at home can be a beautiful thing, but it can also lead to World War III. When I’m around family for an extended period of time, I can find myself in one of two boats: I’m either getting along and laughing a lot, or I’m annoyed and irritated at everything little thing my parents and siblings do. I often find myself experiencing that second one. I don’t mean to brag, but if there was an Olympic event for finding the flaws in my family, I would win gold by a landslide. 

I’m betting I’m not the only one. I hear other people talking about the stuff they wish they could change about their younger brother or even the major flaw they see in their older sister. How come we can be so negative about those we call family? How can we get past seeing our family members as projects that need major construction? Something that God has shown me recently that I believe is a huge key is this… they aren’t the problem. Although I can naturally point the finger at my family members, the skill I’m missing is pointing that finger back at myself.

David, a man after God’s own heart, did not become the king of Israel by accident. He didn’t point out the flaws of those around him to get himself elevated to this high position. He did something you and I can start doing today. He invited God to search his heart. He didn’t waste time worrying about what someone else was doing or what someone else was saying, He asked God to speak only to himself and about himself. I can imagine how scary it might be to ask the God of the universe and the One who knows all to reveal the darkness of your own heart, but David desired to become more like God. He was able to humble himself, knowing he was far from perfect, and embraced what God had to say.

Maybe this is something you’ve never done before. Maybe you’re afraid of what God might reveal to you about yourself. I challenge you today to read David’s prayer in Psalms 139:23-24 and make it your prayer to God. Allow time for God to speak back to you and allow him to search your heart.