GODLY LIFE IN HOUSE (COL 3: 18- 22)

GODLY LIFE IN HOUSE (COL 3: 18- 22):

Paul continues to write some specific instructions to specific people in Colossians. Pauls writes that wives shall submit to their husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. The instruction to wives to submit doesn’t mean that they are inferior to men in any aspect but it helps in the bonding between man and woman and also helps in building the family well.  Also, there is an addition that it is fitting in the Lord as the Lord had made the man first to be the head of the creation, and the woman was made to complement him. The authority of husbands should never be taken as an advantage but always as a responsibility. That’s why Paul adds an instruction to husbands to love their wives, and not to be harsh with them. Husbands should have strong affection and attachment towards their wives, always give ears to their voices, appreciate their good deeds and thoughts, support their beneficial interests, and fulfill their genuine desires. Though there might be differences and dislikes, husbands should never develop bitterness toward their wives.

Paul then instructs the Children to obey their parents in everything, for that pleases the Lord. Children should always listen to the words of their parents in which there is experience, wisdom, and wellness. Also, it doesn’t mean that Children should follow all that is said by parents blindly but always analyze whether it is according to the Word of God and deny it if it is not. Children following the godly instructions from parents pleases the Lord. Paul assures that by writing to the fathers not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged. A father who is genuinely concerned about the well-being of his Child doesn’t impart their self-centered thoughts and actions but rather guides them and helps them to identify what is right by encouraging them consistently irrespective of whether they really hear them or not.

Also, Paul instructs the bondservants to obey in everything those who are their earthly masters, not by way of eye service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. The servants had made a contract with the masters to oblige to the chores that were given within their limitations. They should do those works irrespective they are monitored or appreciated with integrity with the thought that the Lord is watching over them.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      What are the instructions to wives? Why?

2.      How submitting to husbands is fitting in the Lord?

3.      What are the instructions to husbands? Why?

4.      How do husbands ought to love their wives and be not harsh with them?

5.      What are the instructions to Children? Why?

6.      How children should obey their parents in a way pleasing to God?

7.      What are the instructions to Fathers? Why?

8.      How fathers should deal with their children by encouraging them?

9.      What are the instructions to Bondservants? Why?

10.  How a bondservant could please God?

What is our role in the household or wherever we are and how we could make it God-pleasing?