John rejoices greatly when he heard that some of the congregation's children were walking in the truth. God commands us to train our children to know Him. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train your children in the way they should go, even when they are old they will not depart from it." Well, that sounds easy, doesn't it? Except that it can be a lot harder than it sounds! I am not in the parenting position yet to have a child choose to reject Jesus, but I hope I never see that day. I think it is important that the men of the home step up as leaders and lead their family to love Jesus. In Ephesians 5:22-33 it teaches in detail about the man's role in the home and his responsibility of the spiritual wellness of his wife. And in Ephesians 6:4 it says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Do you think there is significance in this verse when it says "Fathers" and not "Parents" or "Mothers"? God was very intentional when He wrote His commands. Although God designed a family to be led by a father, there are families where there isn't a father present. What about the single mom? Or the wife with an unbelieving husband? There is good news- God can be their Father- and the best One they ever had! God wants no one to perish, but all to come into a personal relationship with Him (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, whether a father is present or not, it's a parent's duty- whether father or mother or guardian to raise your children to know the Lord through teaching and by example. God knows your situation. Some of you, the reason there is no godly father figure or even a father present is because of sinful decisions on your part. God wants to forgive you and bring you to Him. With Him, you can raise your kids in His strength, with His guidance and His loving mercy. You aren't on your own if you don't want to be. For those women who are leading your family when you have a believing husband... stop. That is probably the biggest change and also the biggest blessing to we made in our family. It was when I stepped down from leading our family and encouraged my husband to. It is better that your husband makes mistakes and learns to lead than you leading and not exercising how God designed your home to function. God designed the man to be head of the household. (Ephesians 5:22-33) Although it was challenging and took some humility and work, our home is much more healthy since Joey took the lead. Trust me- I did not want to step down, since naturally I take leadership and control. But there has been a massive growth in our spiritual maturity, our marriage is stronger, there has been more wisdom in decisions made, and our bank account is not so empty! If you read that and feel a tug, but are annoyed that I would even mention such a thing, please take time and talk to the Father about it. I know exactly the opposing thoughts you have on the matter, but I share this to reveal truth to you as well as blessings. For some of you without a father figure yourself, it's hard to love God because you associate your earthly fathers' character to that of God's. Your Father, who is waiting to be your Daddy loves you so much and yearns for a close relationship with you. He understands your past and your view of "fathers", but He wants to show you what love from a Father really looks like. Let Him.
~Leanne~
~Leanne~
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