What Are We Building?
- Brooke Singleton
- Nov 3
- 5 min read
“Above all else, motherhood is the call to build the kingdom of Heaven by raising faithful followers of Jesus.”
“He has shown you, O man what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Momma, we wake up every day and make the schedule work, right? We do the things clean the house, attend the meetings, do the sports, get everyone to church on Sundays, spinning the wheels…and then another week or month has passed, and we’re left with this quiet question.
What exactly ARE we doing all this for?
Are we just checking societal boxes? Spending days? Being what people tell us is a ‘good mom? Or is there something more, or simply something different altogether, that is the purpose of our motherhood?
Our verse this week is found in the book of Micah, where the Israelites had gotten themselves tangled up (again) in the business of life, selfish desires, sin and self-serving legalism. You can all but hear the exasperation in Micah’s voice, over their muddying of God's purposeful plan. I feel that as a momma; the days when it seems like all I’ve done is correct someone who doesn’t care to listen. At the end of his book, Micah basically asks God, “what is it we are actually supposed to be doing?” God answers with what He wants.
We’re supposed to be building God's kingdom.
And God spells out how. Kingdom building is done by making sure our personal actions are just in all we do, by finding joy in living out faithful kindness and mercy with everyone, and walking in a constant awareness of our desperate need of God.
The Bible is clear that if we do these things, the kingdom of God will be where we are, closer than our hand (Mark 1:15), and that, Sister, is the point of everything. To bring God's kingdom on earth, where much will be made of Jesus. Our call as moms is to build a home, create a life rhythm with the Spirit's help, that will take back territory from the enemy.
This is how we do it. By loving and living God's ways above all else. It's not that the things we’re doing each day are bad, but the Word reminds us that all things need to be submitted to God with an open hand. We need to be willing to let go of any good thing that may get in the way of God's best, and to live out the rest of our daily circumstances through the light of Micah 6:8. To do what God calls right, to be faithful and merciful to others for God's glory, and to walk completely dependent on the Spirit of God and Jesus’ grace. These simple, but not necessarily easy, ways of God will ensure that we are in fact building Gods' kingdom in our hearts, in our homes, and in our communities, and in doing so, are being the essence of Christ and letting Him lead.
Above all else, motherhood is the call to build the kingdom of Heaven by raising faithful followers of Jesus. But take heart, none of that can be done in our own power or strength. He is with you always, closer than your hand.
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Monday:
Go to God: Father, would You help us this week to get a proper view of Your kingdom? Would You shine a light on our hearts and our schedules and set them right according to Your will? Would You give us grace, courage and purpose in this gift of motherhood and guide us always? For Your glory and the glory of Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday:
This week we’ll take inventory of the heart of our homes by loosely writing down your family’s daily schedules. Label purposed time with Jesus, things that build family connection, and anything or any attitude that sucks the life out of your family. Then, ask the Lord, to search your heart and home and find any way in it that isn’t helping build His kingdom presence in your home. Ask Him to lead you in how to make it right, how to stir your and your family’s hearts toward Jesus and His Kingdom. Let’s ask God to give us a clear picture of what we’re building in our hearts and homes.
Go to God: Father, Your Word says that our hearts are deceitful above all things when not submitted to Your careful eye. We invite You to take a deep look at our motivation and actions in what we’re building as a family this week. Help us to see where You have purpose and pleasure, where change needs to be made, and then lead us in it, Father. We ask it in Jesus faithful name.
Listen: “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective
Don't forget to listen to this month's new podcast episode, "What We're Building".
Wednesday:
Today, we take inventory of what’s influencing what we’re building. Start a running note on paper or in your phone. Throughout your day and as they come to mind, write down the things that you allow to speak in to your motherhood: society, socials, friends and fam, good or bad, anything that has become the building blocks of what you’re building. In the evening, take a moment before bed to look at your list. Then, read one or two of these scriptures (and the rest throughout the week) to help hold your building blocks up to the framework of what God wants us to build.
Go to God: Jesus, today would You help uncover any lie or falsehood, any striving or wrong way that has been spoken over our motherhood, our family, our soul? Help us hold the things that influence us up to Your gracious light and show our hearts if they are voices that deserve influence, or if they need thrown out. In the end, may only the things that glorify You, bless us and build Your kingdom remain. We trust You and thank You in advance. In Jesus faithful name.
Listen:” Your Kingdom Come” by Elevation Worship
Thursday:
Today we’ll take inventory of our family schedules, the family flow and the calendar plans. List the things in your lives that fill your time, things you have committed to, and hold them up to the Lord. We’re going to see if the action/activity is building the kingdom of God in our hearts and homes. Perhaps they stay, perhaps they don’t, perhaps they get tweaked. Ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance as you take an honest look. Finally, ask the Spirit of God to help you write down three ways you can be intentional in your heart and home, to highlight, serve and build the kingdom of God.
Go to God: Father, this beautiful gift of life and family You have given us can become so full of good things. Sometimes we’re afraid to miss out, or afraid to not give our kids all society says we should. But would You search our hearts and keep us from sacrificing Your best for things that are simply good? We hold our schedule and our plans, our commitment and our pleasures up to You with an open hand, knowing that You are a good and kind father who gives in abundance and only take when it's for our good. Give us clarity as You lead us forward to build what matters to You. We ask it in your name, Jesus. Amen.
Listen: “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe
Written by Brooke, mom of 3