Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Family Bonds or Ball-n-chain

By Eugene Adkins

   Many homes in the church are suffering from a bad dose of worldly thinking when it comes to the family and the arrangements God has given. His design has been clear for thousands of years despite the political, cultural and even “religious” attempts of the past and present to cloud it. God takes the family and the roles He has designated seriously whether we decide to or not.
   Marriage comes before “shacking up” and “baby-making.” Playing house will never be the same as the real deal (John 4:16-18). The wrong attitude toward this is dangerous; calling it whatever we want will not change what it is; it will cost a person their soul! (Hebrews 13:4)
   Marriage is a relationship for men and women alone! One at a time! Designed to last a lifetime! Fornication is the one and only exception! (Matthew 19:1-9) God is more concerned with holiness than with happiness. A match made in heaven must first have heaven’s blessings.
   Husbands are meant to be the head of the family. That means the leader and decision maker for the family (in accordance with God’s will – 1 Corinthians 11:3). Responsibility is not an optional accessory.  A husband must love their wife more than self (Ephesians 5:25,28,29). That’s huge! Have a problem with that take it up with God; see where that gets you. Treat your wife like trash and your relationship with her and God may end up in the landfill! (1 Peter 3:7)
   Wives are expected to respect, support and help their husband (Ephesians 5:23,24,33). Want to be your own boss? Then stay single. Want to start a successful family? Then follow the successful plan. Feminine is beautiful – feminism is ugly and self-damaging. Nothing is stronger or more beautiful than a godly wife! (1st Peter 3:1-6)
   Parents raise your children according to God’s rules and children obey your parents! (Ephesians 6:1-4) Easy? Nope. Expected? Yup! Nuff said.
   The family was designed to hold us together not hold us down! Examine God’s word and His way. He has not changed His mind concerning His design. Have you? 

- Eugene Adkins is the assistant minister for the church of Christ at Keltonburg in Smithville, TN. Visit their website at http://web.blomand.net/~j1s/Index.htm

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