Simply Listen

As parent-priests there is heightened need to listen for the instructive voice of God throughout each day.

Yet, even as we read the sentence above many of us are burdened by a pessimism. A daunting feeling of the impossible – similar to how we feel about “following in the footsteps of Jesus”.

We feel defeated before we begin. Jesus was the Son of God – so we imagine He had an unfair advantage over us. A connection to the Father we don’t have.

But this isn’t true.

Scripture tells us Jesus Christ – the God-man – didn’t keep His ‘God-ness’ in a way which gave Him any advantage. Instead, He “emptied Himself” of God-ness, and became “like men”. He “humbled Himself”. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Jesus went through life with the same pain, frustration, loss, and temptations as any human – perhaps more so.

In the stewardship of our families and homes God doesn't call on us to do anything we aren't capable of – or for which He has not equipped us.

He has equipped us. He has sent help: offering us an intimate, constant, personal relationship with Him.

In the book of John, Jesus promised His disciples He would send “the Helper” to be with them forever. Living in them. Other translations call this helper “the Advocate” or “the Counselor” – also referred to as “the Spirit of truth”.
(John 14:16-21; 16:12-15)

Each of these titles refers to God’s Holy Spirit – the third person of the Trinity – whose role it is to enable us, and to inform us in all wisdom and knowledge. This includes wisdom and knowledge for every situation, and about each person and thing in our day.

About 700 years before Jesus Christ, the prophet Isaiah voiced how dependent Jesus himself was on instruction from the Holy Spirit:

[Jesus says]
The LORD God instructs Me.
Being instructed by Him is what enables My very words to be sustaining –
just like others He instructed before Me.

It is only because of Him I rise each morning.
It is only because of Him I listen and hear Him instruct Me.
[Each morning – and My listening – brings new creation.]

He opens My ears to hear His voice, His Spirit. His Wisdom.
It is God who has opened My ears.
And I am not rebellious to His directing Me.

– Isaiah 50:4 & 5 [paraphrased]

Following in Jesus' footsteps doesn't imply 'trying harder' to do right.
It suggests we intently listen for God's voice just as He did – then simply participate with Him in new creation.

Contemplate the above verses.
Consider memorizing them in your preferred translation.
This text is a handbook for stewardship in and around our homes.