My Martyrdom…. Or, Not.
“If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”
~ David Livingstone ~
I’m having a “little” attitude problem.
I’ve been doing some interesting mental gymnastics, in order to motivate myself to complete the task of “Spring Cleaning”. (well- and a number of other things- I don’t want to do like the harder work of working on my marriage..etc…) It’s not pretty. It’s an attitude of martyrdom. And- to be honest- it’s not working for me. (Or anyone around, me.)
My thoughts have sounded a little ( a lot) like this:
“This is my job….if I don’t do it- it won’t get done…God has called me to His service as a Mom and a Wife— so this is my sacrifice….and I will fulfill it”
As, I still don’t want to DO many of the things I should…. I’m not finding martyrdom, that effective a motivator.
It’s not helping my attitude that living at my house has been like a bad sit-com lately. Between falling downstairs while holding my little guy… getting sick and filling the house with smoke while trying to clean the oven….I’ve been a little (ok, a lot) frustrated. I’ve been feeling like an overworked, under paid, un-appreciated maid-service. For the glory of God, amen. It wasn’t anyone else- it was me.
In light of my current attitude, this weeks “In Other Words” Quote, took my breath away. “If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?” (Granted- I’m wheezing from cleaning fumes and a virus — so it didn’t take much;) But- really- it did. It was like having the bathroom mirror spring-cleaned- suddenly, I could see myself clearly- and what I saw wasn’t a martyr. It was a brat. The brat was me.
God is funny like that. He’d been setting me up, all weekend long.
At the height of my viral fog— I watched a movie: “Marie Antoinette” I was amazed at the pomp and circumstance of each care-taking task of the King and Queen of Versailles. Even the placing on of the queen’s shoes, was an honor to be held and appreciated. I wondered how I’d feel- if I were given some mundane task…. but- by a ROYAL…..would I be honored? The truth is, I probably would.
It’s a stretch to imagine commissioned tasks by royalty -here in the states…so I thought of a few personal substitutes:
What if I were contacted by a major publisher, to write obituary’s?
What if I were offered the job of cleaning the Presidents Bathroom? (Taking politics off the table…It’s the highest comparable honor I could come up with for toilet cleaning…)
In either case- I’d be honored. In the first- with the opportunity to write anything… in the second— with being entrusted with a place of ummmm vulnerability? It wouldn’t feel like martyrdom or self-sacrifice- it would feel like a privilege.
I am called with a great COMMISSION- (co- mission a mission shared- not a task to be carried out, then to be reported back on… but, a mission undertaken, together with God!) to live out and share the Gospel- in word and deed- to those around me. A Co- mission with the King of the universe. Is there any higher privilege? Any better motivator? I doubt it.
Even when the oven smokes- and the virus attacks…. it’s my privilege to serve….however I can.
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Dear Lord- Lately, my attitude has stunk- the truth is- I can do little to change how I feel. But YOU- can do so much more. I feel like you’ve already begun- please help me to respond and to remember that all that you call me to- whether seemingly mundane or outrageously holy are part of my co-mission, with you. I love you Lord- and thank you for the privilege! amen.
Are there things that you’ve been viewing as sacrifice… that are really privileges? What are they? How can you see them as privileges? Let’s pray for each other’s attitudes;) I don’t know about you- but I need all the prayer I can get!
Great post, bless you.
I can relate. Sometimes, when I’m getting all annoyed about say putting on a new roll of toilet paper or picking up hubby’s clothes that are on the floor rather than the hamper, I think, “what if I were doing this for Jesus? Would it be too much trouble to put on a new roll for my Lord?” Of course not. So when I can’t find it in my heart to want to serve my children or husband, I try to remember I’m doing it for Jesus, Who gave a great example when He washed all those stinky disciple-feet, not with a martyr’s attitude, but with pure love.
Tracey,,
I love this post. but, a mission undertaken, together with God!) This grabbed me. Well done. and praying for you and your oven. hee hee. Love, Lynn
Tracey,
I could have written the words you descibed about attitude, that has been mine too (I am sad to say). I love your heart and openness in this post, it really touched me. And I like your reminder of co-mission, it is meant to do together!
Oh AMEN Tracey!
Another subject that God deals with me about. And to think, I thought I was the only martyr! One day God opened my eyes to this with telling me what position I am in: servant. If I truly am going to call myself Christian, then I must serve the Master. And if I am serving the Master, and do what He tells me to do, I AM ONLY DOING MY DUTY TO HIM. Read Luke 17: 7-10. If literal martyrdom is what He calls me to, then that is my duty to Him.
I need a lot of prayer in that area of my life! Wonderful post!
Blessings~
Great post! I smell the stench of martyr burning. Oh wait! It’s my flesh! Burn it off Lord!!
Blessings!
Ohhhh . . . I struggle with some of those service areas as well. Thank you for so writing so honestly and sharing.
This is a great take on this quote (and an awesome quote for this week.)
Thank you for a great post. This is a great and inspiring blog. God bless
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us on this quote. Yes, I sometimes get the ‘attitude’ problem, but I know that I serve Him to share His grace and mercy with the people around me.
Blessings to you and yours.