Colossians 3:17. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." HIS CONSECRATION. There is no honor to self when it comes to the things of the Lord. Everything we do in life is done either in deed or word. So, it is my responsibility when I apply myself to a work, To do it with my might as to the Lord, and to never shirk To do what is necessary with the very best of my skill, That God will be glorified in it, and keep at it until That particular work and effort has come to its completion - That is what is involved in living a life of consecration.
Consecration isn't limited to only some effort or deed - For there are among people many different needs. There are words of comfort needed by those who are sorrowing. And words of assurance for those experiencing harrowing Times when they don't know what to do or where to turn. Words of correction are in order when some of God's people spurn The revealed Word of God because some other voices say, "Don't pay attention to those scriptures, they were for an ancient day."
When one realizes he has been set apart for God; His consecration is real to him, both in deed and word. It is with a grateful heart one realizes that God chooses Those who serve Him, and who living for self loses That God may be honored and the Lord Jesus glorified. The life he lives is resurrection-life, in Christ he has previously died To self and ambition, to personal glory and fame - He wants everything he says and does to be in Jesus' name.
"Father, I am almost overcome this morning with joy and expectation. I don't know what to expect but I do know that today I am finding great joy in Thee and fellowship with Thee. May Thy name be glorified and honored by all I am doing and saying today. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
Colossians 3:18-4:1
ORDER IN FAMILY LIFE The domestic life of God's people is one of the greatest ways to promote the Gospel. It is also one of the greatest ways to hinder the Gospel. The effect of a committed Christian family to the Lord and His intended lifestyle for this original social structure has a great impact for good on society and a nation when families practice divine guidance in a God-planned unit. Guidance was given for public living in the verses before. Now guidance is given for private life. Faith in Christ changes homes, but godly homes in an ungodly world are being challenged from within as well as without. A home ordered by God in which each member obeys the commands of the Lord in relation to their role is a testimony for good. If a Christian home resists or ignores these divine instructions, they are viewed by those around them as no better than those without any fear of God. When the roles and rank in a home are established, there is order, not chaos.
Reciprocal attitudes between all family members in a home enable relationships there to flourish with respect and cooperation. Each needs to appreciate the roles and responsibilities of the others and commit themselves to fulfilling their own. The peace of Christ and Christ's word and name are leaving their inward formation of our character, and they form the outward conduct of the Christian household. Domestic life gives dignity and status to each person when they realize there is equality of persons. When the roles of each are understood and accepted as divinely given authority, tranquility in family life is established and can be maintained.
The fact that wives are addressed first indicates equality in a society that subjugated women to a servant-like role. Now in the Christian community, this was changed to where not only nationalities and cultures are equal, but women and men are given equal status. This was true in God's eyes, and now it is enjoined in the family unit. The submission wives are charged with is the arranging in the rank of the different responsibilities of husband and wife. The ordinary toil of a person becomes divine service when it is "fit in the Lord." The rank of the husband in the family is that of taking responsibility for the headship and leadership of the family and not leaving that to his wife. Both are to submit to each other as persons and each to the Lord. The Lord is the one giving these instructions.
The wife indicates she obeys the Lord as one who belongs to the Lord by submission to the leadership of her husband. The husband obeys the Lord with self-sacrificing, Christ-like service toward his wife and family without the hard-handed ways of a dictator. As Christ loves the church, so a husband is to love his wife by his willing sacrifice and concern for her welfare. Harsh, authoritarian rule is not evidence of "agape" love. A husband should never harbor bitterness for something his wife did or did not do. Love is patient and kind, not rude or self-seeking. When we submit to each other because we have first submitted to Christ, then there will not be conflict and division between them or bitterness. One has well said, Christ first, others second, ourselves last."
Children need to know they are obeying God first when they obey their parents. To please God is the believing child's first obligation, and it will lead to a willingness to obey parents unless they are told to do something they know is wrong. The parent's responsibility to their children is to encourage, care for and nurture them spiritually as well as physically and morally. The responsibility of children is to practice obedience to those in authority over them. Children have a right to be born. For parents to abort a child is usurping a child's right to life for selfish reasons, even though the law may not prosecute them. Children have the right to be properly nourished by parents in every part of their personhood - body, soul, and spirit. Children need to be given responsibilities in the household that are defined. To obey is probably their first and hardest responsibility to accept. To participate in and contribute to family life needs to be taught as an obligation they have. Children may reveal problems in the family structure. The measure of obedience is often the motivation for appropriate behavior because it is being modeled to that degree by the older members of the family unit.
Consistent parenting by consistent parents will give strength to children who are Christians and have to face a lot of pressure against them and godly behavior by their peers and the educational system. Even the recent governmental changes to laws that long guided society, will be used to try to force our children to acquiesce to secular behaviors. Children need a safe and encouraging environment to meet their daily reoccurring needs. To irritate children builds resentment and discourages them from following the Christian lifestyle.
The servants referred to in the book of Colossians were probably unpaid slaves, but the principles are the same for employers and employees. The charge of obedience to their masters comes from God. The scriptures do not promote slavery but do deal with issues that are prevalent here in this society. When one fears the Lord and loves Him, He enables that person to get beyond eye service to singleness of heart in labor for the Lord's sake. The purpose of the church is to spread the Gospel, not change laws by aggressive social action and getting immersed in politics. A Christian servant owed obedience to his master in Bible times, and a servant owes that to his employer now. Our character is demonstrated by how we work and how we lead other workers. The ultimate reward is from the Lord who is the real Master. Wrongs committed against a master or employer will receive suitable recompense for the wrong they have done no matter who they are because God does not have partiality towards people.
Fairness is an expectation for labor performed. A fair reward is expected from Christians who employ other people. No matter who a person is, they have a right to expect reasonable compensation for their labor. There may be a division of responsibility in the labor force, but there is equality of persons who are in Christ. Society may change, but the changing social mores of society do not govern us. We are governed in life by divine instruction.
To properly maintain a Christian home, there should be a specified time to read the Bible and pray daily. Understanding of the order of domestic life should be made plain to all in the family. Each needs to know what is expected of them. Examples of respect and expected participation of each person in that family sphere should be understood and seen in order to maintain the family unit properly. Each should know and expect the consequences of misbehavior through appropriate discipline. Responsibility has to be described and taught and be suited to each person. The Lord needs to be set before each one, and commitment and loyalty to the Lord and to the family are expected. A balanced family life is maintained when we recognize our obligations and meet them. Consideration and respect for every family member need to be given regardless of age and position. We should never be half-hearted in any labor we do, and we should always be faithful to the Lord and to our family.