Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Whatsoever things...self-less-ness

Romans 12:2  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.

The Mr. & I have been meditating on Romans 12:1 & 2 for the last few weeks.  Every morning we take about 10-15 minutes to read this passage of scripture and then submit ourselves to God's will for us for that day.  What do you think of when you consider "conforming" to the world?  Alcoholism?  Adultery? Pornography? 
If we try to make a list, it will go on forever.   And each of us will have a different one as the Lord speaks to our hearts individually.  Ultimately, we can sum this up in a single thought...selfishness.  The pattern of the world is selfishness.  In large ways and small, without eternity and holiness to instruct our steps, we have little motivation to be selfless.  At dinner the other night, the Mr. shared an insight he has gained as he has meditated on this.  It wasn't a bolt of lightening or the audible voice of God but a new wisdom that sort of gently bubbled up in his spirit. 
For the last few years, we have turned our focus financially toward retirement.  We have a few major goals we need to achieve before Dean can comfortably retire.  We have been on a sort of schedule that was to culminate in his official retirement in about five years.  But over dinner, he told me that he had realized that this master plan was selfishness on his part.  Because, you see, having entered the workforce later than he did, I am not going to be eligible for retirement at the same time.  So, he informed me, he is going back to the drawing table to figure out how many extra years he can work to close the gap allowing me to retire earlier...and together. 
"I was thinking selfishly, only of my own desire to retire.  But when I hit that 30 year mark, we'll be hitting it together.  You spent the first half raising our children.  We're going to do this together," he said.
Selflessness is truly a whatsoever thing.

2 comments:

Momma said...

What a blessing to be married to a man who is truly looking our for your best interest!

Margie said...

WOW! I'm sitting at my desk, trying not to cry.