Paul now breaks down individual callings and lifestyles, particularly within the families and households in general...Gleanings from Colossians 3:15-25
" So, the "Peace of Christ" that we now proclaim as a new way of life, let it be like an "umpire" to govern and direct daily life. This is important because it is the very Peace of Christ that defines who we really are, giving solid hope to others and allows our own hearts and minds to make decisions and answer questions as we encounter daily life that has answers linked to the Eternal Peace living within us.
Our own attitude is affected daily based on the adherence we give to Christ, for His new way of life He has enabled us to be a part of is marked by grateful and appreciative hearts, being thankful for the things God does provide for us and giving Him praise as a response to His faithfulness...to each one of us.
I think this whole message of Christ Jesus and the very words He spoke, if these Words can find their home in our very own hearts and in our lives, then we are truly rich!
Then, blend in the encouragement we give to one another, taking time to hear the concern of others, sharing advice, offering wisdom from the things we have learned about Him, and teaching the real meaning of the Word of God, then we are doing what He has asked each of us to do from the very beginning: "Follow Me."
For this is the truth; our new lifestyle culminates in our own individual and daily lives with these types of attributes: singing songs, whether it be hymns, psalms, or Songs of the Spirit..the important thing is these things are coming out of our hearts, being thankful for the work He is doing in our very lives.
Now, in response to living the New Life in daily Christian households, here would be my instructions:
1) It's important wives do their best to try and understand their husbands, to support them, and adapt yourselves to any situation that may arise and confront him. This type of reinforcement in his life will bring harmony to both of you, and the Lord honors this kind of thing.
2) It's equally important husbands learn to "go all out" for their wives. they need support from you as much as you need support from them. Be affectionate, try and understand the daily things they face, and show appreciation (small example: flowers or candy once in a while) for all their hard work and all the efforts they give in raising of a family. Above all, give them your love and banish any bitterness or resentment that may try to enter your lives.
3) Children, your parents are wanting the best for you, and share with you their life's journey and what they have encountered along the way. So, listen to what they tell you, and do as they ask. This will not only help you as you grow in life, but the Lord Himself finds pleasure in you when you demonstrate these qualities.
4) Now, I address parents, you are the ones out there making a living. When you come home, set aside time to be a part of your child's life. Don't just come home and "bark out orders", criticize immediately what they didn't do, or take your frustrations from work out on your children. Here is why, when you do that you can harm them; it effects their lives with discouragement, it can mess up their self-esteem, their confidence in life, and can lead to a deep rooted anger and frustration in general. Besides, down deep they really need you...don't be crushing their hopes and dreams!
5) Servants, be supportive to what your individual tasks may be for the day. Have a good attitude toward all those over you, and go the "extra mile" in following orders that were given to you. Don't be two-faced, smiling and looking polite on the outside while harboring bitterness and resentment on the inside. Think of it like this instead, your purpose in being a servant to others is that you are really serving Him, so let your actions and your attitude toward all be a sincere expression of your love for Him.
So, bottom line is this: whatever your call is in life, give it all you have, and do it from a heart that is full of His peace and His joy. For here lies another secret in His Kingdom; that all we do and say, we do it to Him!
Knowing our various lifestyles are all pointed in one direction, that being to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, we will have our rewards from following the obedience to His calling...each one of us!
Christ Jesus doesn't play favorites, we are all in this together...let us follow after Him! "
" So, the "Peace of Christ" that we now proclaim as a new way of life, let it be like an "umpire" to govern and direct daily life. This is important because it is the very Peace of Christ that defines who we really are, giving solid hope to others and allows our own hearts and minds to make decisions and answer questions as we encounter daily life that has answers linked to the Eternal Peace living within us.
Our own attitude is affected daily based on the adherence we give to Christ, for His new way of life He has enabled us to be a part of is marked by grateful and appreciative hearts, being thankful for the things God does provide for us and giving Him praise as a response to His faithfulness...to each one of us.
I think this whole message of Christ Jesus and the very words He spoke, if these Words can find their home in our very own hearts and in our lives, then we are truly rich!
Then, blend in the encouragement we give to one another, taking time to hear the concern of others, sharing advice, offering wisdom from the things we have learned about Him, and teaching the real meaning of the Word of God, then we are doing what He has asked each of us to do from the very beginning: "Follow Me."
For this is the truth; our new lifestyle culminates in our own individual and daily lives with these types of attributes: singing songs, whether it be hymns, psalms, or Songs of the Spirit..the important thing is these things are coming out of our hearts, being thankful for the work He is doing in our very lives.
Now, in response to living the New Life in daily Christian households, here would be my instructions:
1) It's important wives do their best to try and understand their husbands, to support them, and adapt yourselves to any situation that may arise and confront him. This type of reinforcement in his life will bring harmony to both of you, and the Lord honors this kind of thing.
2) It's equally important husbands learn to "go all out" for their wives. they need support from you as much as you need support from them. Be affectionate, try and understand the daily things they face, and show appreciation (small example: flowers or candy once in a while) for all their hard work and all the efforts they give in raising of a family. Above all, give them your love and banish any bitterness or resentment that may try to enter your lives.
3) Children, your parents are wanting the best for you, and share with you their life's journey and what they have encountered along the way. So, listen to what they tell you, and do as they ask. This will not only help you as you grow in life, but the Lord Himself finds pleasure in you when you demonstrate these qualities.
4) Now, I address parents, you are the ones out there making a living. When you come home, set aside time to be a part of your child's life. Don't just come home and "bark out orders", criticize immediately what they didn't do, or take your frustrations from work out on your children. Here is why, when you do that you can harm them; it effects their lives with discouragement, it can mess up their self-esteem, their confidence in life, and can lead to a deep rooted anger and frustration in general. Besides, down deep they really need you...don't be crushing their hopes and dreams!
5) Servants, be supportive to what your individual tasks may be for the day. Have a good attitude toward all those over you, and go the "extra mile" in following orders that were given to you. Don't be two-faced, smiling and looking polite on the outside while harboring bitterness and resentment on the inside. Think of it like this instead, your purpose in being a servant to others is that you are really serving Him, so let your actions and your attitude toward all be a sincere expression of your love for Him.
So, bottom line is this: whatever your call is in life, give it all you have, and do it from a heart that is full of His peace and His joy. For here lies another secret in His Kingdom; that all we do and say, we do it to Him!
Knowing our various lifestyles are all pointed in one direction, that being to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, we will have our rewards from following the obedience to His calling...each one of us!
Christ Jesus doesn't play favorites, we are all in this together...let us follow after Him! "
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