Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Cleansing of the Church
Ephesians-6:1-4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Today’s passage is one in a series of instructions to the Ephesian Christians on how they were to manage all their relationships. Paul addressed the dynamics of the child is to honor and obey his/her parents in the Lord. The guidelines are for the family in the Lord, and are not necessarily expected to work outside the believing home. If you follow this command, “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth”. That means, your life will become more meaningful.
The generation gap is not a new phenomenon. But it has never been so conspicuous and threatening as it is today. Drug addiction, the moral down-fall of parents who are to be the role-models, the failure in family worship and the ebbing of spiritual values are factors that have widened the gap. Though our society still preserves the solidarity and sanctity of family life, the youngsters today imitate some of the unhealthy tendencies of so called ‘modern culture’.
John Rosemont has made the following suggestions to fill up the generation gap. 1)Find out something to do in the company of your children and do it regularly. This will give you the chance to encourage as well as correct them. 2) Don’t impose anything on children. Give them the freedom of choice without compromising with discipline. 3) When your children enter adolescence, assume the role of a wise guide and not of a disciplinarian. 4) Find time to communicate with children. Don’t let them feel that you are not ready to listen to them. 5) Let your children see and understand the love and concern their parents cherish for each other. This will give them a greater sense of security. 6) Express your love not only in deeds but also in words. No matter how grown-up they are; don’t hesitate to say “I love you”.
Let us dedicate ourselves the generation gap that we have by loving each other, by accommodating each other and by complimenting each other. God expects us to be in communities and our church is an example for that and we are called to have a community spirituality.
Prayer: Lord, help us to maintain a healthy relationship between parents and children. Amen
Thought of the Day: How is our relationship with our children?


Rev. Jacob Varghese, NJMTC, Randolph

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