For Marriage

Peace on the homefront

Parents and children, peculiarly resembles disputes and wars between leaders and nations. The unresolved conflicts and damage occur as two parties struggle to get their own way. How can the situation improve?

One key change that parents can effect is to stop reacting to their children impulsively when they are disruptive but rather discipline them as God's agents on their behalf. Then, both children AND parents are accountable to the same source, God. Likewise, couples that cease from power struggle for control over their spouse, but rather submit to God together will find that "controlling" is no longer an issue. Peace on earth will come only when people seek God's control, not their own.

The Just Listen

Thought: My daughter just came to me with a conflict between her and another sibling. I already heard the information from a third party and so cut her off since I had already found a just solution.

Wrong! I stressed out my daughter because I did not take the time, no matter how boring the repetition would be to me, to RECEIVE her side of the story. I know it is "better to give than receive," but sometimes receiving what our friend, child, or spouse has to say is worth much - not just hearing and reacting, but really taking it in so the other knows we understand. The Bible uses the word "receive" (identical with "take" sometimes) for receiving a partner in marriage (Mt 1:24) or for receiving Christ at salvation (Jn 1: 12). It must be pretty important. My daughter? -she forgave me.

The Cats in the Cradle

Thought: To you fathers, "family first" should not be just an empty slogan. During one of our devotions, my wife shared from Ro 12:2 not to conform to this world. This world does not honor a father who is not a prestigious politician, an awesome athlete, a glorious golden boy on the big screen, a brilliant breakthrough brain head, or a titanic tycoon. Someone who is willing to help change the diapers is just spare change. A husband and dad who takes the romantic, educational, spiritual, business, and recreational initiative in the family is not recognized by the world's "in crowd. " Never! Never! Never let even ministry and the lost get in the way of your family first perspective. To quote what has probably by now become a family cliché, "Your ministry IS your family."