In Scripture we are instructed and commanded to walk in the 'fruits of the Spirit' that manifest themselves accordingly--the great commission, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, serving and loving our brothers and sisters, praying without ceasing, being students of the Word, giving thanks for all things, loving our husbands and children, etc.--however, I think that when we **TRY** and do these things **BEFORE** developing a loving, intimate relationship with Jesus, and before the Spirit directs us accordingly, we get into legalism, as well.
It's as if we 'stir up our flesh' and pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and proclaim that we will be forever different because God's word COMMANDS it--I have DONE this so much in my own life and have missed the mark continually, and actually reinforced the weaknesses in my life through this militant and fleshly approach! There is a 'more excellent way'.
When first and foremost, Jesus' love is burning on our hearts; when we are sitting at His feet and listening to His precious words; when "He is our BELOVED and His desire is for us"; then ALL that we do, we do in His name and because we are a LOVESICK bride completely devoted to Him! When we put 'service or striving' before that relationship then we fall into the category of Martha, who although she had 'association' with Jesus, and even a measure of affection for Him, was bothered and troubled and 'walking in the flesh' because she put her work before LOVE!
Had Jesus' words, 'dripping as honey', been her portion, I believe there would have been quite a different scenario--she would have been in the kitchen preparing the food for the guests and a 'inner peace' would have been flooding her soul, delighted that she could serve Him whom her soul loved.
In the same way, with our home schooling, if we **do** all the 'required' elements and we forget to go to the One who desires to inspire and breathe into us, then we will be forever burned out and discouraged and we will not see the fruit of a Lifestyle of Learning. Only JESUS can give us the kind of burning hearts that 'keep going' even in the midst of hard circumstances and wearisome ministry to our families. May we sit at His feet and desire that 'ONE thing needed' that produces the fruit of the Spirit and hearts ablazed with love for the Lord Jesus.
copyright 2002 Susan Hitchcock