Ladies, let’s open this up with complete transparency. Have you noticed women sometimes have a tendency to act out of insecurity, jealousy, pride, selfish ambition, or even fits of rage? I know because I have lived it, and I see it all too often on current TV shows where the scripts are positioned in such a way that makes this behavior not only acceptable but cool. Galatians 5:16-21 shows us where these actions originate: our sinful natures. Such actions impede what we as single moms need the most: Christian community.
Here’s a fact we often forget as single moms. Even though we are in the world, we are not meant to live like the world. We were created to stand out and bear the Fruit of the Spirit. We were meant to set an example for other women to follow. However, our crafty enemy makes these sinful natures seem cool and popular. He does this to keep us separated because he knows how powerful we can be when united. We need to stand up, punch the devil in the mouth and boldly say;
NO! I will be different. My Father did not come, live a perfect life, die on a cross for my sins for me to continue to live in this sinful nature. OH NO!!
Single moms, here’s what I urge our stance to be. We must not be women who are self-centered or self-serving. Instead, we must serve others and build community. We can’t fall prey to jealousy and comparison. Instead, we need to celebrate our sisters’ successes and build Christian fellowship. We must guard against self-hatred and choose to love others and ourselves. We can’t let pride sneak in and destroy our friendships. Instead, we must walk with a humble spirit offering praise to others while knowing every good thing we have comes from God.
Doing life with one another is so vital. But how does one do that? We take inventory of our closest friends. We start praying for God to bring us mighty warrior sisters, get linked up in a small group and find a woman’s Bible Study. One thing is for sure: we cannot stay separated from Christian community. We need other women to help us fight against the lies of the enemy, women who love Jesus and cling to His Word.
I recently found something from Ephesians Chapter Six that really blessed me about the Armor of God and the Shield of Faith. During the time this was written the Roman Army was known for its shield. It was tall and a single soldier could easily kneel and take cover behind it. It protected him well, but he couldn’t defeat his foe. But when standing side by side, the soldiers would form a super-size shield to advance and over take the enemy. Yes, they were stronger together, and guess what? So are we! We become mighty when we stand side by side. We can overtake the enemy when we work together. As single mommas filled with faith, we need each other.
Christian community – it’s not optional; it is a must.
About Melissa Fisher
I am a princess and daughter to the King of Kings. I also happen to be a single mom of two teenage boys who works full time. Truth be told; I often fall short on all areas of life. I stopped trying to be perfect & strong, and instead am working to embrace the way God instructs; 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIRV) But he said to me, “My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ’s power can rest on me.