Day 83

We receive so much excellent instruction in todays reading that it would be very impractical to go through it all in one sitting. However, there are a few common themes through these four letters: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. I would like to look at one of the common themes - Family.

Paul the apostle addresses relationships in the letters to the Ephesian and Colossian believers. But keep in mind that the family is an autonomous entity. We do not have a step-by-step guide on governing families. Every family will be different; no two families are alike. Nevertheless, we do have some excellent instruction about how our roles and relationships should look within the family.

First, lets examine the excerpts from the letter to the Ephesians:

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" (Ephesians 5:22-25)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;" (Ephesians 6:1-5)

Now consider this excerpt from the letter to the Colossians:

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;" (Colossians 3:19-21)

You'll notice pretty quickly that Paul gives us instruction for wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants. No one role is superior to the other as Jesus Christ is the head of all. Also notice that the goal of each role is the same: To honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Sincerely,

Jay