We live in an age of communication. We live in an age of internet, email, fax machines, television, and radio. All of these are mediums where by one can exchange information and communicate with another person or group of people. Talk radio and talk television are more popular than they have ever been. In general, these things are one person giving another person advice or information. We live in a communication age. We are a communicating people.
Closely akin to but still separate from this is the fact that we live in an age of relationships. In general, people want other people in their lives that can help give them meaning and assurance. We want friends and relatives with whom we can talk, share, and confide. The goal for businesses today and for many organizations is to be relational. The underlying theory is that if we can be relational, then the usual events and activities of the business or organization will be smoother, better, and more effective.
Now, here is the fly in the ointment. Communication is a very, very difficult process. It is hard for me as one individual to take my thoughts and feeling about a particular subject and convey them to you. We use words, expressions, and even subtle meanings but it is still very difficult for me to communicate exactly what I think to you. In conjunction with this, relationships are difficult to build and build well. The scholars say that relationships are dynamic or constantly changing. What might help a relationship one day could hurt the same relationship the next day. They are hard to maintain and difficult to build.
God knows this. It is little wonder that he provided so much about communication and relationships in His word, the Bible. If one were to take out all of the passages that deal with communication or building and maintaining relationships, there would not be much of a Bible left. The fact that communication and relationships are difficult is why there are such injunctions as “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This is why the Bible gives commands to husbands, wives, parents, and children (Ephesians 5-6). This is why the Bible has such wonderful information that will improve communication and relationships in a great way.
The fact is that all of us are biased and prejudice with our own families. The adage is true: “I may complain about my family to you but don’t you ever insult them to me.” Every grandparent thinks they have the best grandkids. Most husbands would say he has the best wife in the world. Young boys want to and do grow up to be just like their fathers. And sadly, most people make excuses for their family.
“It’s hard for my son to go to church because he has so to do much with school and other activities.”
“I know Dad smokes but it was acceptable when he was younger.”
“He may not be a Christian but he is a good, moral person.”
“Well, he has to provide for his family.”
“It may not be the best situation, but it’s only temporary.”
“I know Dad smokes but it was acceptable when he was younger.”
“He may not be a Christian but he is a good, moral person.”
“Well, he has to provide for his family.”
“It may not be the best situation, but it’s only temporary.”
These statements and others are extremely detrimental to a person’s salvation and spiritual growth. God wants first place in every Christian’s life (Luke 14:26). God puts a great responsibility on those who have families (1Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:3-5). Sadly, the spiritual responsibilities that we have to our families are often overlooked. The man is to be a spiritual provider to those of his home. Adam went wrong in the garden because he allowed Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-15). Lois and Eunice are not noted for giving Timothy a great education or supporting his extra-curricular activities but rather for giving him faith (2Timothy 1:5). Job was not willing to join his wife in her sinful attitude toward God nor did he make excuses for her but rather remained committed to God no matter the cost and even rebuked his wife (Job 2:9-10).
Now, consider the cost of ignoring a family member’s spiritual situation. Not only does it cost that person their soul. It is also an action that will have to be considered on judgment day. If I were to make excuses for my son thus ignoring his spiritual condition, I will stand for such actions before God (Ecclesiastes 12:14). It seems inconsistent to spend a great deal of time with people on Earth in such a way that you know you will not be spending eternity with them. Why would a person want to marry another when he or she knows that they will not be in eternity together? Why would parents want to encourage their kids to do well in sports at the cost of not doing well with God? Making excuses for someone only aids them in their sinful practices.
Do you genuinely help your family with the important things in life?
-J
No comments:
Post a Comment