Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Exposing Children to the Virtue of Obedience


Deuteronomy 28:1-6
 Alan Mathews Sam
Phoenix MTC, AZ
"If you will only obey the Lord your God, by diligently observing all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth; 2 all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord your God:"

 
Why obedience is called a ‘virtue’? A ‘virtue’ is a high moral standard. Obedience is something that is lacking in every aspect of our society today. From the roots of the family to the society outside, is there a shortfall in obedience shown by human beings, whether it be parents, elders or even the law? Obedience is something that should have been natural from the time a child is born.

 

In Genesis 12, we read about Abraham’s obedience to God when He asks him to leave everything and go to the promised land. It is just that humility and obedience from him that made him the father of the nation. The Bible has many verses on obedience that focus on the bringing up of children in the light of it.

 

The passage mentioned above from Deuteronomy, beautifully throws light on the blessing of an obedient child of God. The entire chapter explains about the blessings in the first half and the curses of disobedience in the second half. Being obedient in today’s society is more difficult than ever before. We tend to follow ways in which the world around us leads us. But is it worth more than the blessing mentioned from verses 3-6?

 

We can read in Proverbs 13:24 ‘Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him’. This is a simple verse explaining that children are exposed to obedience first from the family in which they are brought up. Disciplining children enough in the ripe young age, however tough it might be,  shows result when the child grows to be full grown adult independent in the society.

 

So let us pray that children around us in our families, church and society are exposed to importance of obedience. Our Lord will help us in inculcating this value in them.

PRAYER

Father God, we pray to you that each one of us understand the meaning of obedience. Help us to control our temptations and be always willing to heed your voice and Lord, please be the centre of everything in our life. Let our obedience be a blessing to everyone around us. We know everything is possible in Your name. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
 
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6


Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more