Ephesians 6:1-4
Reflect
I hope that you are enjoying these devotionals written by your pastors as much as we love writing them.
One limitation of dividing up the passages is that we may miss that Ephesians is a letter. Currently, we are in the middle of Paul’s “Haustafeln” (House codes 5:22-6:9). Don’t miss the fact that Paul places these right in the middle of a call to be filled by the Spirit (5:18) and what is perhaps the greatest passage on spiritual warfare in Scripture (6:10-18). Why? Because Paul is aware that the greatest spiritual battles are most evident in close relationships. This is the place of spiritual formation.
Today it is parenting. Parents will often look good in public and are vastly different when at home. We are our worst selves with those that are closest to us. Goads that I have used to push my children to resentment include unreasonable demands, harsh discipline, cruel remarks, over-protection, over-indulgence, and favouritism.
For parents to raise their children well (v4), they must themselves be on a quest for greater spiritual maturity, which includes study of the Bible and seeking to authentically live by its guidance in a growing relationship with God.
Apply
How did your parents’ perspective toward your uniqueness impact you positively and/or negatively?
Have are you embracing the blessings, giving forgiveness, and pursuing reconciliation with those closest to you?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.
- Pray for our Evening Event Hosts, Ethan Okken and Noah Okken