Relationships in the Journey

Prepare: "Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another", Eph 5:21
Read: Colossians 3:18-4:1

Life is a journey. Broken relationships take away the joy. Satan constantly wants to take the upper hand in our home and work place, thereby causing strain.

In the family: Courtesy disappears and respect is put aside at home among family members because we take relationships for granted. Paul gives a chain of commands, not just advice, to uplift our families. A wife has to submit to her husband for two reasons. One, man was created first and then woman for him (1 Tim.2:13). Two, in the God-head, Christ submits to the Father (1 Cor.11:3). Submission is not subordination. A husband should not take advantage of his submissive wife. He cannot be a dictator or a demanding master. He has to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). Disobedience to parents is viewed as rebellion against God (Ex.21:17). Children have to follow the example of Jesus (Lk 2:51). It is not difficult for children to obey their fathers who reflect the character of the heavenly Father.

At work: Very rarely we hear sermons on our relationship at the work spot. For Paul it is important we spend most of the waking hours of the day there. The underlying principle is that we have to please God. Our work should be carried out with an awareness that we arr working for the Lord. This attitude would make work pleasant and also enhance the dignity of labour. Masters should reflect God's character of fairness and respect.

Respond: "Lord, mend today my relationships at home and at work place". Amen.