1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV) — 4 He must manage his own household well, with all
dignity keeping his children submissive,
NOTE: One thing I
had not really notice before is that the command is not that his children have
to be submissive, but rather "he must manage his own household well, with
all dignity …" The emphasis appears to be on how he does it versus the results.
Certainly, uncontrolled children can be an indicator of faults in the home, but
not when the person shows the skills necessary and does it in a dignified
manner, as opposed to exasperation. Dignity suggests a plan and a peace within,
that the person is doing what God commands. We cannot force obedience onto our
children, certainly God was never able to do that as exemplified in Adam, Eve,
the two sisters (Israel and Judah), the prodigal son, and the prodigal son's
brother. In six cases, we have children (or the metaphor of children) who
rebelled against their Father. People will choose their own road in life. We
can't measure an elder by his children, but we can measure him by his approach
and trust in God in dealing with his family.
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for my children I wish
that they did not go through years of rebellion. I thank you for your work in
bringing them back to the faith. I thank you for their insight. I pray they
would continue to love Jesus above all. Have mercy on them. Shower them with
your blessings.
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