HOW DID GOD GET IN YOUR LIFE?

The new pastor wanted to get to know the members of his congregation. One evening, at a church dinner, he asked Mark, a deacon, how he came to know the Lord as his Savior.

To his surprise, Mark replied, “Well pastor, I believe God is at work in our family.”

One thing is for certain: If our faith is real and at work, it will be real and at work in our homes. Family relationships always seem to be “on the edge.” There are so many different wants and needs, so many competing priorities and interests, that relationships always seem to be stressed to the point of breaking.

The letter to the Ephesians has some sound advice for families. It very clearly states that children are to obey their parents as long as parents act in the will and way of God. Parents have every right to make expectations of their children that are in keeping with His Word. Ideally, parents will act with thoughtfulness, gentleness, and love. While this may seem difficult, if family member’s actions follow the teachings of God’s Word, each will put the other’s interests ahead of their own and selfishness will be replaced with selflessness because the real Father is the head of the home and worshiping Him will come first.

Fathers are also advised to “Bring up your children with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.” If parents are submissive to God’s rules first, then God will bless their efforts,

Prayer:  We pray, Father, for families that are struggling to survive, dealing with overwhelming problems that leave them hopeless. Give courage to follow your teachings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-4