[Printable version]
[Also published in Nuggets for the Needy]
Omega Message – October 1981
Mavis M. duCille
One of the greatest needs in the world today is proper home life in particular, and human good relations in general.
Life on a whole (which comes from God) is taken lightly; (from conception to termination) that regard and respect are no longer qualities associated with man dealing with man.
Of course it begins in the home (good or evil); then affects the population as a whole. No wonder the enemy seems so relentless in his effort to destroy the homes by instilling conflict and rebellion in the hearts and lives of both parents and children. The destroyer is busy in the homes of both Christians and non-Christians in his effort to devour the people.
Parents, your home is your sanctuary, guard it, in the fear of the Lord and the power of his Spirit. Give no place to the devil.
Let us look at the word of God’s command pertaining to the home and environment. Ephesians 5 gives us quite a bit to chew on.
Marriage is a unique relationship of husband and wife, which serves as a picture of God’s relationship with his people. Exodus 16 and Christ and the Church Ephesians 5:22 – this however shows the order of the home established by God.
Husbands:
“Husbands love your wives” – A wonderful opportunity as well as a solemn obligation, which shows in a small degree God’s love, care and dedication to the church. No man has a right to make a slave of his wife, since each is dependent upon the other, both have different functions, therefore each serves the other. Woman is complement to man, thus one is incomplete without the other. It takes both working together in harmony to produce that perfect union that will be the richest blessings of that home. So many times, instead of a rule and authority in love, there is harsh dictatorial rule by the husband, disregarding totally the responsibility, calling and talents of the other member of the union. Undoubtedly there is that place of responsibility for the wife and mother to complete that oneness, which is the basis for a well fortified home. A dictator disarms himself of the provision provided in the union as a check and balance, if his wife is obedient to the Spirit of God. Love is living-goodwill that wants to penetrate, fill and bless the other with itself. Love is more giving than taking.
Wives:
There is absolutely no doubt that the wife is a very important part of the function. It is very clear in the word, that an unruly, self-willed and obdurate wife is a hindrance rather than a blessing to a man. Let us look at some of the qualities that adorn a good wife. She should be gracious, virtuous, wise, prudent and one that has the fear of the Lord. “A virtuous woman is priced far above rubies.” Proverbs 18:22. “Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 31:30. “Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” God’s words are true and everlasting. It is our very life. We must recognize and obey the word. Modern trends have worked havoc in the lives of many, who in search of reality and justice embrace the rebellion of the age, instead of seeking the old path of love, respect, honour and reverence. “Wives, professing Godliness must be sober, love their husbands and their children, (Titus 2:4,5), be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
If you are unequally yoked, seek God; He takes care of all our problems. Let us show forth Christ-likeness under all circumstances. There is always an answer to our problems. The reason we fail to find it many times, is that we are busily applying our own methods or the methods of some of our friends.
May God take rebellion from our hearts and homes and establish us in true holiness and righteousness, for the day of the Lord is at hand. (Titus 2:5).
Parents:
Most honorable position – Children are a gift from God. It is incumbent upon parents to teach, train, provide for, nurture, control, love, correct, instruct and above all, set good examples for their children.
The sin of the father will visit the third and fourth generation of them that hate God, or rather of them that are disobedient to God, but those who obey God give their children a chance to be delivered from these familiar spirits that go from one generation to another.
Parents who leave the training of their children completely to the sitter, school and elsewhere, are shirking their responsibility before God, and are accountable for the souls they have brought into this world.
Grow the child in the way he ought to, and when he is old he will not depart from it – if and when he departs he will not wander far. Remember too, discipline begins PRENATALLY.
Never give up with your children; if they seem to be getting away from that path of righteousness, keep on praying and believing. Your prayers could be their only hope of deliverance.
Believe God HE cannot fail.
Children:
Your parents have given you life, love, honor and obey them. Show me a boy or girl who is disobedient and rebellious and you know that one is under the power of the devil and will be destroyed if he/she is not delivered from this terrible vice.
It is said that disobedience to parents will be one of the plagues of the end time. Corrupt and destroy the children of today and you are faced with a world of terror tomorrow, but may the God of peace break the power of this evil and deliver the children. We see many an evil yesterdays coming to roost at this time.
Children no matter how small can show forth the love of God in their everyday lives. This can be very beautiful, they are fresh and innocent – jewels of God’s love and grace.
Children radiate the spirit of love and kindness, or hate and arrogance, depending on their environment, home and school especially.
We can all see the battle in the homes, created by the enemy, but who suffers most? The children of course. Beloved, the effort on our part to maintain love, joy, and peace in our homes is a precious labor to enrich the lives of our children. They are part of the Kingdom of God. Bring them to Jesus no matter how young. He will keep them in His love.
Sonlight Devotional 