Children and Parents

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1-4, NIV).

To be parents is one of the most sacred duties God assigned to humankind. To Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden God said, “Be fruitful and increase in number…” (Genesis 1:28). With the privilege of parenthood comes also responsibility. Parents are to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). From an early age, children are to be kindly but firmly disciplined by parents who are consistent and in agreement about how they will rear their children. Paul reminded children that obedience and honor are due to parents, and with that respect for parents comes the promise of long life and well being for the children, the promise contained with the fifth commandment (see Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16).

Then parents—especially fathers, as Paul was writing in an age when precedence was given to the male-led household—are not to “exasperate” or trouble their children but deal with them in a loving and disciplinary manner that will be according to the “instruction of the Lord.” A large order, indeed! “Training” is from the Greek word paideia which denotes personal guidance, example, instruction and discipline. Fathers, who should have the major role in leading a family, should not incite their children to anger, frustration and fear but lovingly guide them by God’s precepts.

Paul gives the ideal patterns for children and parents in Ephesians 6:1-4. But what if that pattern is not found enough in our modern-day society? What if fathers have abandoned their role as leader of the home? What if mothers must work to make a living as well as care for and nurture children? What if both parents are absent and elderly grandparents, foster parents or the state must then assume responsibility for children? Unfortunately, these are conditions of the days in which we live. Sometimes the church and caring teachers can make a difference and spark hope within children. Those of us who know the ideal position of the home can have influence through example, prayer, instruction and admonition to bring about a change in family life and in child rearing. Let us pray for and work toward the “right” way to have responsible family relationships. Our future social hope depends on it.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Mystery Shared by Paul the Apostle

“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6, NIV) [Read Ephesians 3:1-13].

Paul, in prison at Rome when he wrote the epistle to the Ephesians, gave a personal testimony in chapter 3 about his having been entrusted with the “mystery” which he was commissioned by God to share with the Gentiles, those who, at one time were “far off” (not of the chosen nation, Israel, excluded from citizenship, foreigners to the covenant of promise, Eph. 2:12), but are now, through Jesus Christ, heirs to the blessed promise. When we think about it, we, too, are these outsiders, these Gentiles. And the gospel came to us on its way to someone else! Therefore, we are partakers of the wonderful mystery of grace.

Imagine how happy it made Paul, a Jew himself, to be chosen as the “vessel” to the Gentiles, the “apostle” to the Gentiles, to bear the wonderful “mystery” (message of salvation) to those who were not understood as heirs of the promise made centuries before to Abraham when God said to him, “I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you” (Genesis 17:7, NIV). But all along, God intended that His favor would fall to all people, those of all nations, Jews and Gentiles alike. The “mystery” is that redemption is for all people. God is calling out anyone who will hear and respond to the good news in Jesus Christ. This was seen as a “mystery” because neither Jews nor Gentiles knew before Christ came what God had in mind for all of humankind. The mystery is now revealed: All can come to Christ. The way is made clear and plain; the price has been paid. What was formerly hidden is now revealed. The mystery is uncovered. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” Jesus declared in John 14:6. And herein is the heart of the mystery, now revealed to all who have ears to hear!

Just today I received “good news” from a missionary friend who is working to assist in recovery from the recent Haitian calamity. A person called “Y” has offered his house and yard for a meeting place to teach the gospel and set up a medical clinic to help those in great need. Volunteers are providing medical care and teaching the Word. People are being saved daily. From Peru, another volunteer team is seeking out “men of peace” to have church gatherings in their homes. God is blessing these efforts and others like them around the world. People are turning to Christ daily. The “mystery” is being revealed because people are faithfully sharing the good news that Jesus saves! Praise be to God that we can have a part, as did the great Apostle Paul, in spreading the word of Truth to a seeking, hungering, hurting world. With whom will you share your faith today?

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, June 17, 2010