Living with Heathens

John Walton didn't go to church. I never understood why. His wife went. His children went. And even his parents (Grandpa and Grandma Walton) went every week with the family. Why didn't John go?

On a recent episode of The Waltons, a new preacher moved into town. John went to visit him and said, good naturedly, "I've been a heathen too long. Don't try to convert me." The preacher laughed. He  knew John was teasing.  Everyone in town knew John was a pillar of the community. He was a man of integrity, a man with strong values, and an inspiring father. He had tremendous wisdom and lived out God's commandments. He prayed with his family and encouraged them to go to church.  But he wouldn't go himself.

Some wives have husbands like John. They have children like John. Or, perhaps they live with family members who act like literal heathens. Maybe they don't read the Bible, or openly pray. Maybe they won't go to church and seem unhappy in their souls.  All these things can affect the godly mother in the home.

I've sensed the "seeming" burden of religious education fall on Olivia Walton. I've seen her scold the children for wrongdoing and I've heard her teach those children the Bible. She had Grandma Walton to back her up. And even Grandpa was a laid-back, but dedicated religious man. Was this burden difficult for Olivia?  What was it like living in a home where all family members were not all out for God, in a visual, literal sense?

But this isn't the issue. . .

The problem is when Mother is so caught up in the sorrows of others, that she cannot focus on her own soul.  She can easily spend much of her time worrying, pleading, begging and weeping for the "heathens" in her life, that she forgets to cultivate a relationship with the Lord.

The saying goes, "More is caught than taught."  Mother must keep her eyes on heaven and learn to trust and have faith that God is taking care of it all.  She must spend her daily life seeking to be closer  to Him, and not being distracted by earthly cares or worldly worries. 

The fruit of this effort is a bright, warm light comforting those around her and guiding them Heavenward.

The light does the guiding, not her words.

It has been said that we are vessels for the Master's use. He works through us, not because of us.  We must remember each and every day, and keep reminding ourselves, over and over again, that we need More Love, More Focus, More Dedication to The Almighty and that is our main purpose in life. We have to remember that no matter what the "seeming" heathens do, we have to live His way, even if it looks like no one else is.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Winter Trials - The Neglected Parlour.

Get Dressed up for a Quick Visit - Happy Homemaking.

For Those Very Rough Motherhood Days - Mama, Dry Your Tears.



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