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Family LifeGod's Ideal for Families
A Sunday school teacher once asked his class for a Bible verse about families. One little boy quickly raised his hand and proudly recited, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do."
Kids say the funniest things. But this little boy's answer is a gentle reminder that we need to know God's ideal for families. So let's take a glance at some biblical principles for families from Ephesians chapter 6.
In the first three verses, the Apostle Paul provides children with two principles. First, he commands children to obey their parents in the Lord (v.1). Paul's reasoning for this command is simple: "for this is right" (v.1). It's right because God has appointed parents with that authority. A child cannot question a parent's authority because they are in turn questioning God's authority.
Second, God commands children to honor their parents (v. 2). This word honor can refer to how a person responds to God. That means how children honor their parents reflects how they honor God. Whenever a child talks back, rolls their eyes, or ignores their parents, they're committing those very sins against God.
The Apostle Paul then outlines the high calling of parents in Ephesians 6:4. First he tells parents what not to do: you are not to provoke your kids to wrath (v.4). "Provoke ...to wrath" means a repeated, ongoing pattern of treatment that gradually builds up to a deep seated anger and resentment on the part of a child that boils over into hostility.
How do you avoid bringing your children to wrath? Don't show favoritism between siblings. Avoid remarks like, "Why can't you be smart like your brother." Another way is never to neglect them. Today's world is hectic—but don't allow yourself to become too busy for your kids. Make quality and quantity time for them. Part of that time you spend with your kids is making sure you compliment and encourage them. They need your encouragement—just as much as they need your correction.
Now having said what not to do, the Apostle Paul tells parents what to do. First he commands parents to bring their children up in the Lord (v.4). Your godly parenting should be what raises your children—not television, movies, music, or friends. Paul's second command is to train your children through discipline and biblical punishment. Just as much as your children need hugs and affirmation, they also need biblical parameters and ramifications.
Finally, parents are to instruct and admonish their children in the Lord (v.4). The word here for instruction means to place before the mind. Your goal should be to place God's Word in the minds of your children. Whether this takes place through Bible study, worship, or in everyday conversation,counsel and educate your children in the Lord.
Now put all of this together. God's ideal for you is more than simple words, it's a way to live for and honor Him, as well as loving one another. But knowing the biblical principles is only where you begin, now you have to apply them in your lives. That's God's ideal for families. |
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