Colossians 3:20 is oft-quoted (by Mommy and Daddy!) around our house. This morning's sermon focused on this verse and the following verse 21. Kevin invited the kids in the congregation for a front-row seat! He talked about the reason why children should obey and the way they should obey.
The Gospel is at the heart of obedience - All of us have sinned and messed up the perfect picture of what a family should be. Because Jesus died and paid the price for our sins, we can have a relationship with Him. And when we love Him, we can show that by obeying Him - and that includes obeying parents. No parent is going to get it all right, but our love for Jesus is our motivation for obeying our parents.
Next, Kevin talked about the way to obey, and he borrowed Ginger Plowman's great definition of full obedience: It should be right away, all the way, and with a happy heart. Another mantra in our house!
Kevin also addressed parents, reminding them of Colossians 3:21, which instructs fathers not to exasperate or discourage their children by having unrealistic expectations, a lack of grace, harsh words, a lack of discipline, or by expecting perfect obedience without giving children the tools and training they need. The bottom line is that our kids need to know Jesus, because He is the only one who can give them the power to obey and love!
OHHHHHHHHH -- Good one! And we can't hear the gospel often enough!!
ReplyDeleteHope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Love to all -- Jodi and Family
Thanks for introducing us to Ginger Plowman, Jodi! What would we do without Don't Make me Count to Three?
ReplyDeleteGreat reminders! Thanks!!
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