Tuesday; May 10

When the Apostle Paul wrote the First Century Christians about family relations he noted, “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” (Colossians 3:18-21). Throughout the years I have read this section several times, but the other day something really struck me. Did you notice that a successful family isn’t focused on what people do for “me”, it’s about looking out for them? Paul calls upon each segment of the family to take into consideration the needs and desires of others. Being a successful family begins with doing something good to others.

There is a lot of talk about dysfunctional families today, but maybe we are making the problem too complex. It isn’t that families are too messed up, maybe it is that we are just upside down. We are looking at how people are treating us rather than how we should be treating them.

When we are willing to do what is in the other’s best interest we are all going to do better and feel better. When we do that, our families will not only become functional, they will also be fulfilling.

Think About It!

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