Teaching Biblical family principles is very important in India. In addition to “Marriage and Ministry,” which I teach to all pastors, I sometimes also use a session “A Godly Family – Isaac.” This focuses on the husband-wife relationship but also explains Biblical principles of child raising.
To accomplish this, I use Isaac and his family as an example. Isaac started out submitting to God and His will as seen by allowing his father Abraham to sacrifice him (Genesis 22). God provided Rebekah as a wife in an arranged marriage (Genesis 24) and put unconditional love for her in his heart.
Unfortunately Isaac wasn’t the godly leader he should have been. When he had children there was conflict between the children as well as the parents (Genesis 25, 27). There was no consistent discipline, something parents in India and the USA as well need to have. Isaac was lacking as a husband as well for he, like his father Abraham, said his wife was his sister to protect himself (Genesis 26). Husbands must put the needs of wives first, not their own needs.
Although this is mainly a story of bad examples, many of the mistakes they made are the same ones made in India and the USA today. Husbands must sacrificially love their wives no matter what. Wives must trust and respect their husbands. Parents must show unconditional love to their children and provide consistent, loving discipline. Children must respect and obey their parents. Understanding and applying these truths to their families is important for the pastors in India.
Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Do your relationships with family and friends reflect the love of Jesus? Do you set a godly example for others? Pray and ask God to help you in areas where you are weak.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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