Focal Passage: Ephesians 5:22-28; 6:1-3
Recently, I went through a time of personal and professional stress. I was dwelling on financial concerns, an imminent church renovation project, on-going ministry and study requirements, along with trying to work through some important family decisions.
The stress and frustration that I experienced revealed several pressure points – attitude, energy and family. I tended to be short, snappy and easily irritated.
I took out my internal stress on my wife and children. In short, I treated those I love the most very poorly.
After a helpful conversation with a friend, as well as a time of confession to my family, I was able to correct some of my behavior.
Have you ever allowed your stresses to create tension in your family? Have you ever been guilty of taking your spouse, your children, your grandchildren or your parents for granted?
There are no more important relationships than those of our immediate family members. They are the closest people to us. They know us for who we really are.
You may be able to fool your colleagues at work or your fellow church members, but you will not fool those who live with you.
Your Christian life begins and ends in your home – literally.
As I have presided over funerals of church members, it is very apparent which people lived their Christian life at home. Family members will speak of the quality of one’s Christian life by relating what influenced them.
Sure, we all have flaws and faults. None of us are perfect.
But at the end of our lives, those who know us best will remember not the quality of our work, the amount of our paychecks or our public influence. Rather, they will remember our love, our integrity and our character – or the lack thereof.
In Ephesians 5 and 6 Paul teaches that family relationships must be grounded on love, respect and honor. Jesus modeled these relational qualities to us and for us.
So, how is your Christian life at home?