Safeguard your investment in your children, part five
posted Monday, May 21, 2007 :: 7:37 AM
Previously: Safeguard your investment in your children, part four
The wise man who hears the sayings of Jesus, and does them, will establish his household -- his wife and children -- upon a rock which will withstand the storms of life intact. So what are "these sayings of Mine"?
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when men revile and persecute you for the Lord's sake. (5:11-12)
Be salt and light, by letting your good works shine before men. How do we know if a work is good? It will bring glory to God. (5:13-16)
Do not relax the least commandment in the Law or Prophets. (5:17-19)
But do not trust in self- righteousness for salvation. (5:20)
Not only do not kill, but do not be angry with your brother or speak disrespectfully to him. (5:21-22)
-- Jesus, in verse 21, begins to expound on the proper keeping of the Ten Commandments.
Reconcile yourself to your brother before coming to God. (5:23-24)
Agree with your adversary when you are in the wrong, rather than oppose him. (5:25-26)
Not only do not commit adultery, but do not lust after a woman from your heart. (5:27-28)
We are only just scratching the surface of "these sayings of Mine" which the wise man DOES and not hears only -- if he seeks to establish his household on a rock which will withstand the storms of life. What if someone realizes they haven't been doing one or more of these eight commands? Repent, turn, and do. Ask the Lord for forgiveness, and to spare the children the consequences of building a house upon the sand. Be humbled before God every morning, depending on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for the power to walk in "these sayings of Mine". We serve a God whose mercies are new every morning; we can trust in Him to establish our children upon the rock.
To be continued ...
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Update: continued in part six
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