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Peace on the home front
Thought: Turmoil in the home, especially between husband and wife, but also between
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."