The Microscope

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

-Romans 12:2

My children weren't the only ones who learned character lessons during the course of our homeschooling. Daily, I came under the same instruction as my children, and I struggled to show patience, kindness and love in my actions.

One particular day of character building (or lack of it) stands out clearly in my mind. I had just given my son an expensive hand-held microscope for his birthday. I envisioned him enjoying hours of inspecting bugs, plants and rocks with this new educational toy, but my dreams were short-lived. As I walked into my son's room that afternoon, I found the microscope lying on the desk completely disassembled. Parts were everywhere, and before my son could offer any explanation, I immediately accused him of ruining the microscope. When my barrage of hurtful comments chastising him to be more responsible ended, he looked at me and said, "I'm sorry, Mom. I took it apart to use the light bulb in my science experiment. I was going to put it back together when I was done."

The ability to live in a godly way is something every Christian seeks to attain. As I examined my actions that day under the light and focus of God's Word, I realized how undisciplined I was in the area of patience. My tongue was severely in need of being bridled (see James 3), and I found myself coming to God and my child to ask forgiveness for my sinful foolishness. Although I could have hidden behind fatigue and other excuses, the clear picture of who I was without the Holy Spirit was more than evident.

Have you taken a good look lately at your attitude and actions during the course of your homeschooling day? We all fall short of the glory of God, but are you allowing God to change you as he reveals those areas in your life that need to come under his Lordship? Like the lens of a microscope, what is God's Word revealing about the true state of your character?

*Father, I humbly bow before you and confess my sin. Too many days I reflect my old nature rather than the new life in Christ you have given me. Increase the fruit of righteousness within my life that my character might reflect your glory. In the name of Jesus, amen.

-From the Homeschool Mom's Bible; devotions by Janet Tatman; p. 521