S) "6 If your brother, your mother’s son, or your son or daughter, or the wife you cherish, or your friend who is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’ (whom neither you nor your fathers have known, 7 of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near you or far from you, from one end of the earth to the other end), 8 you shall not yield to him or listen to him; and your eye shall not pity him, nor shall you spare or conceal him."
Deuteronomy 13:6-8 (NASB)
O) Thankfully, God does not impose a death penalty under the new covenant, since the law of sin and death is broken (see Romans 8:1-2), since that's what the rest of this commandment requires. Now, the real point established by this passage, is that no person should ever come between you and the LORD. There are three, very powerful, relationships listed in this passage. Whether it's brotherhood, parenthood, or marriage, it is made very clear that the relationship we have with the LORD should take ultimate priority in our lives.
A) The idea of shunning my wife or my kids, is terrifying. Ultimately, they are their own people, so they will make their own decisions about things throughout their lives. However, as the leader of my house, my decisions will greatly affect their decisions. As I dedicate myself to the LORD more and more, my wife and kids will follow my lead. If, at any point, I feel like their behavior is possibly compromising my convictions, I need to take action to remedy that discrepancy. The worst thing I could do is follow their lead, but only slightly better, is ignoring their misguidance (either of which are pretty directly my fault, as their guide who is failing). Thankfully, a lot of ground work has been done. In grace, God has given me a wife who chases righteousness, and children who are teachable. I cannot, however, take any of this for granted.
P) Father, thank You for the family I have been given. Give me the courage and wisdom to discipline my wife and children, if the need ever arises in this way. In grace, Father, prevent this from ever becoming a need, according to Your will, God. Throughout my life, help me keep my priorities straight, with You first, then my wife, then my kids, then my family, and then everyone else. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) The idea of shunning my wife or my kids, is terrifying. Ultimately, they are their own people, so they will make their own decisions about things throughout their lives. However, as the leader of my house, my decisions will greatly affect their decisions. As I dedicate myself to the LORD more and more, my wife and kids will follow my lead. If, at any point, I feel like their behavior is possibly compromising my convictions, I need to take action to remedy that discrepancy. The worst thing I could do is follow their lead, but only slightly better, is ignoring their misguidance (either of which are pretty directly my fault, as their guide who is failing). Thankfully, a lot of ground work has been done. In grace, God has given me a wife who chases righteousness, and children who are teachable. I cannot, however, take any of this for granted.
P) Father, thank You for the family I have been given. Give me the courage and wisdom to discipline my wife and children, if the need ever arises in this way. In grace, Father, prevent this from ever becoming a need, according to Your will, God. Throughout my life, help me keep my priorities straight, with You first, then my wife, then my kids, then my family, and then everyone else. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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