Sunday, May 10, 1998 This Week’s Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Ephesians 6:1-4, Genesis 47:1, 3, 7, and 10, Esther 2:7 and 11, and Proverbs 31:26-29, we learned about the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities to each other as family members. The passage from Ephesians taught that parents and children owe each other love and respect. Children should listen attentively to their parents and respond positively to their instructions. Adult children also have a responsibility to their parents once they are grown and physically separated from the family. The grown children should be concerned about their aged parents welfare, and they should try to make their parents' later years meaningful and happy. While the kids are young and still at home, the parents should not exasperate, provoke, or irritate their children. Many homes in today's society are like miniature battlefields. But instead of raising our children in an atmosphere of hostility and strife, we who are parents should strive to create a nuturing environment for our children, where they can develop naturally and learn of the Lord.
The Quarterly spoke of the importance of appreciating our heritage. It discussed the example from the Book of Genesis, Chapter 47, of Joseph and his willingness to orchestrate a family union even after he had been sold into slavery and so poorly treated by his brothers. The Quarterly stated that not everyone has a heritage which is worthy of being appreciated. In those instances, we should try to leave a better heritage to those who follow us. The Quarterly also spoke about the importance of staying connected to our family members. In the Book of Esther, Chapter 2, the Bible shows that Mordecai, the cousin of Esther and her adoptive parent, continued to follow her activities even after she had grown. As parents, we need to continue taking an interest in our children and their lives even after they are grown.
Proverbs, Chapter 31, described the characteristics of the ideal wife and mother. She was a model of compassion, hard work, and industriousness. She regularly set aside time for her children, and she carefully watched over her household. This chapter from the Book of Proverbs makes it clear that her family recognized her worth and acknowledged her contribution to the family. Thus, from this passage, we can learn that we should also regularly express love and appreciation for each other. As you go through the coming week, try to do what you can to nuture your family. Make it your goal to see each member enter into a personal relationship with Christ.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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