Spiritual Guidance for Families
May 22nd, 2009With today’s scripture we start off with some of Paul’s most beautiful language, specifically five virtues: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience (verse 12) and then add the greatest of these – love (verse 14). So far, so good. No one can (or at least no one should) argue with these virtues/goals. But . . . what of Paul’s directives starting with verse 18? Let’s look at today’s lesson scripture in full:
12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.
23 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters,
24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:12-24)
Some people have trouble with Paul’s politically incorrect statements about wives being subject to husbands and slaves obeying their earthly masters. In the context of Paul’s day, however, this was considered normal. His point wasn’t that this was a part of God’s plan in his eternal kingdom – rather it was simply Paul trying to make the point that there is a hierarchy that requires submission – including our submission to God.
That said – how do you respond to verses 18-24 in today’s lesson scripture – or for that matter to this Sunday’s lesson scripture?
It’s awfully quiet out there . . .
It has been awhile since I blogged, but I spent a couple of months reading the Word every morning and still maintain daily reading as a disciplined disciple. I have learned that the simpler we make the Word, the easier it is to interpret and put into practice. Verses 18-24 can be simplified from “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it”, to “Love one another”; which includes spouse, children, parents and your Lord for all that he has done. Daily I thank God for all my blessings, attempt to love everyone, and not complain that I need anything more. It’s as simple as it sounds.
Gary