Pathways To Peace Series

It's interesting that in Ephesians, God gives 8 words of instruction to woman to submit to their husbands, but then devotes an entire paragraph telling the men how to treat their wives and why.

I had a funny thought when I was writing this-

God was mansplaining to men how to be men.

So I ask you men-

8 words for woman, 71 words to us.

Who has the greater responsibility and the greater accountability toward God when it comes to a happy marriage?

Just keep that in mind when you pull out the submit to me card.

By the way, it’s not just your wife, it’s your children. We have bought a lie in the 20th and 21st centuries that it’s the woman’s job to raise the children.

Nope- that duty also falls upon us.

Something to keep in mind.

Finally, as well have followed the pathway toward peace in our lives, our marriage, our families, it also can flow down into our jobs.

Now instead of slaves, think employees, and instead of master, think bosses-

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. 4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

God has been speaking to me a lot lately about being a thermostat.

I know it sounds like weird thing, but bear with me a moment.

I always have taught that a nation’s prosperity is dependent on the church, not the sinful world. Many of our nation’s issues are because people have fallen away from the church, or those who are left are so lukewarm toward the things of God that His presence has left. When God’s presence leaves, sin and evil run in and flourish.

The same is true in every aspect of our lives. God has really been convicting me in the area of how I act or talk despite how hard things are getting.

I’m starting to ask myself, how are my words and actions affecting the spiritual temperature of the situation?

Am I adding peace by quieting the fear with his presence, or decreasing his presence by adding to the fear?

Close your eyes for a moment and ask yourself that question-

Am I increasing God’s peace (Ask before each bullet)

Am I embracing the gifts and talents of others- valuing them even if they are just like me?

In my own life through forgiving others?

Through giving my fears to God to deal with

In my home in how I treat my wife and children

In my world, in now I act in front of others to bring the Kingdom of God and all of it’s power, provision, and peace to a situation.

All rise.

Prayer