17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Because of the controversy within evangelical circles over the role of husbands and wives and how we live that out today, I believe there have been abuses on both extremes of liberal and conservative interpretations. As is the case with most differences of opinions, it is my observations that each side pushes the opposing position into views that do not fairly represent them. Each couple must start with the honest desire to make verse 17 their guideline
Ultimately even our marriages are not personal, they are to be a reflection of God’s will for the couple and whatever roles they choose to agree upon, they are to reflect the character of Jesus to one another and to those around them.
The writings of Paul move from theological to practical. We reviewed that all we have is God's and whatever we do in word or deed should be to the glory of God. The most important relationship we can have is with God, our creator. The second command is “to love your neighbor as yourself”.
We carry our Christian commitment into our families, first with our spouse, then our children. It affects our work, life, and church. Those are subjects of our upcoming thoughts from this book of Colossians.
and family relationships are of central importance in living out our Christian commitment. God gave us a great plan when it comes to marriage.
Gen 1:26-31
26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”
The creation of Adam and Eve at the time of creation was the perfect marriage for the perfect family. But then sin came. From then on the relationships between men and women have not been according to God's first and perfect plan.
When Christ came, He gave us a pattern and purpose for all relationships.
Application: Memorize verse 17 to enable you to live this in your marriage and all your relationships.
Prayer: As I look to You, Lord, fill my heart with a desire to do everything I do in word or deed to the Your Glory.
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