Colossians Part Twelve

By Johnny Angel

Colossians 3:[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. [19] Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. [20] Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is wellpleasing unto the Lord. [21] Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. [22] Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons (KJV).


As I was growing up, several of my pastors liked to joke about verse 18. They would aggrivate their wives about their having to submit to them. Though they were joking, I have known of some people to take this passage the wrong way. I feel that when we examine it closer we will discover God's perfect design for a family.

God has set the man as the head of the household. This does not mean that the man can be selfish and expect the wife and kids to be his slaves. The idea here is that the man will try to bring about what is best for his wife and kids. He will love them just as Christ would love them and just as Christ loves him. He will not be self-seeking but will be a servant. He should be the spritual leader always guiding the family towards Christ.

Unfortunately, life's circumstances often yield a family setting that is not exactly like this. That does not mean that there is no hope. God can use the circumstances in our lives to bring glory to Him. Please understand that if you are in a single parent home, have dealt with a divorce, or some other tragedy that God is there. He wants you to turn to Him. He wants you to understand that you are not in control of your life. You do not have all the answers. Just tell God that you don't have the answers, but you know that He does. Ask Him to give you guidance and comfort. Ask Him to help you deal with whatever situation you are facing. Remember that religion is man's attempt to reach God but Christianity is God's attempt to reach man.

Children are supposed to be respectful to their parents. But parents are not supposed to stay on to their children so much that they make the child discouraged. God is our Father. We all know that He loves us with perfect love. He helps us learn from our mistakes. He forgives us. He cares for us. Parents should model their parenting after God's example of parenting His children. Parents should also not hold back their children's spiritual growth. In the Bible, we find Jesus teaching in the temple when He was only 12 years old. Parents must not prevent their children from being involved in God's work. Parents should encourage their children and pray with their children about all decisions and situations.

Please understand that this is not always the case with how the children are treated. In a world where there is sin, there will be problems. Just remember that no matter what the situation, Jesus is in control. You can turn to Him with your problems.

This passage also talks about the relationship a servant should have with his master. Another way of looking at this is how our relationship at work should be to our supervisors. We should work hard. We should try our best. We must work as if God is our supervisor. We want to please God. This attitude will help us to enjoy our work. This does not mean that we will always enjoy everything about our jobs. But if we try our best, God will do the rest!

It is important that we remember that we are fighting for our reward in heaven. We are saved by trusting in God's grace alone. We cannot do anything to earn His favor. The only way to be saved is to place our faith in Christ as Savior. But when we are saved, we will want to do things for God. And God will reward us for the things that we do for Him.

The last verse makes it clear that people cannot do wrong and get by with it. God doesn't think some people are better than others. We are all equal to God. When we do wrong, God will help us know it is wrong. He will not excuse anyone who tries to do their own thing.

N Prayer, Johnny <*}}}><