Monthly Archives: August 2005

This entry is part 9 of 10 in the series Five Functions of a Faithful FamilyTry to put the following child parent conversation in Biblical context: A man was overheard talking on his cell phone:  “I know it’s something you want,” he said earnestly, “But I don’t think tattoos are a good idea.  And the same goes for body piercing.  As long as you’re living in my house, I think you should respect my wishes.” <Pause> “Besides, Mom, you’re 75 years old!  You don’t need a tattoo!” We all expected obedience between a father and his child didn’t we?   But perhaps you’re not exactly certain what to do with a child giving orders to his mother.  Today we take a look at the relationship of children to their parents.    The bulk perhaps is focused on children growing up still in their parent’s house.  But there are applications to adult children relating to their parents. Children to Parents (Exodus 20:12): Let me give you three key words to Biblically describe the relationship between children and their parents.    There may be some overlap between them, but they are used with fair regularity in varied Spots. The first aspect of the child parent relationship is Children your first order of business when it […]

This entry is part 8 of 10 in the series Five Functions of a Faithful Family“Just wait till your father gets home!”  That phrase begets an absolute solidifying fear.  No child who has ever heard those words in context has failed to feel their heart palpitate and hands sweat.  The very wording and structure of the sentence has been carefully crafted by generations of mothers and I’m moderately certain it’s proper use and intonation is passed on from mother to daughter in secret ceremonies we men know nothing about. What’s even more striking is that it is- in some degrees the reflection of the biblical mandate for men to be the Christ centered foundation of moral guidance and righteous judgment in the household.  The image of the man sitting idly by on the couch while mom tries to deal with unruly children is a travesty of righteousness and a declaration of either immature masculinity, or overbearing femininity or both. That doesn’t mean that mom is not supposed to discipline, she must, not for mere survival, but because God has granted her the role of raising children and discipline is part and parcel of that.  The very fact that God would entrust the most delicate and easily moldable minds on the […]