Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom"..... "singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
This passage of scripture is indeed a mouthful, for it covers the entire spectrum of our social interactions within the family circle, and reaffirms God's established order for the smooth running and operation of the Christian family. The passage begins by counseling us to bring all of our thoughts, words, and deeds towards our spouses and children, under the mantle of God's redeeming love and grace, which should characterize and polish everything that takes place within the family circle. Wives are to live under the watchful care of their husbands, who are cautioned in the Bible not to rule with an iron fist, but with mutual love and respect, with tender regard for every member of the family. And children are to obey their parents in The Lord, for this sets the wider stage for obedience in all things, to The God of heaven.
The home thus described is to be as a little heaven here on earth, where each member of the household delights to dwell, and where each look forward with eager expectancy, to coming home after a day of toil and care, or intense studies. The home should never be a place where the husband, wife, or children dread coming home, for a sweet, heavenly influence should always pervade the atmosphere, making it a welcome place for the family, and even angels to dwell, and as such there are some situations which should be avoided, in order to facilitate the desired ambience of heaven.
Every morning and evening, the members of the Christian household should be called together for worship, where songs of praise and thanksgiving are lifted to God for His tender mercies which are renewed to us each morning. The family altar is a place where all disagreements should be laid aside, and never should the worship be tainted by scolding or pointing out the errors of any family member. If there are any corrections to be made, they should be done at another convenient time, but the hour of family worship should be kept free from all criticism, embarrassment, and censure for what the husband, wife, or children, may or may not have done during the day. This sacred time is to be dedicated to God alone, and as such should be made a joyous experience for everyone in the family. Let's read:
Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord".... 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
The reason for the above counsel is that God is a Spirit, and the attitude manifested in worship is just as, if not more important than the actual worship itself, and therefore we should do everything we can to encourage the true spirit of thanksgiving, praise, and prayer whenever we approach the family altar. Christian family members should never be found arguing with one another just before worship, or immediately thereafter, for then the spirit of worship is erased, and in it's stead, a galling yoke of animosity and uneasiness settles in, thus spoiling both the mood and atmosphere of the home. Kind words and deeds, and consideration for all should be the watchwords in the Christian household, and the regular hug and kiss will not hurt anyone, for all of us are sinners saved by the grace of God, and are supposed to be on the same road, marching to Zion.
In our family life and experiences, let us therefore seek to love each other and honor God in practical ways by doing all we can to make our homes attractive spiritually, and God will bless the sincere efforts to do so, thus making the home, a little heaven here on earth. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which enjoins this sacred duty, and it is the will of God, that where urgent repair is needed in this aspect of our lives, that it begin without delay, for it will go a very long way in maintaining the peace, love, and sanity of each member of the Christian family. Let's read:
Ist Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!