Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 7, 2019
For we are co-workers in God’s service. 1 Corinthians 3:9
My wife Rita and I recently enjoyed the company of 8 couples under 40, all with children under 10. The purpose of our three hours together over dinner and discussion was to better understand how to clarify and respect each other’s role in the family, with the goal of parenting…together. Not a harsh “take charge” approach from the husband, or a frustrated, “I’ll just do it myself” passive aggressive posture from the wife. Collaboration and kindness is the most preferred approach embracing parenting together, as being co-workers in God’s service. We do family better together.
Paul outlines a similar approach in describing the work of ministry in general. Each worker in the Lord’s service has a unique role. Some plant, some water but God brings growth and harvest. An effective ministry or church, like a loving home, is built on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. Paul continues; all of this work and effort is helpful, only when motivated and fueled by the grace of God, “by the grace God has given me” (v.10). Any competing methods will not last. Parents who co-labor together with Christ experience the wisdom of God in leading their home.
“How joyous are those who love the Lord and bow low before God, ready to obey him! Your reward will be prosperity, happiness, and well-being. Your wife will bless your heart and home.
Your children will bring you joy as they gather around your table. Yes, this is God’s generous reward for those who love him” (Psalm 128:1-4, The Passion Translation).
Do you sometimes drift into just showing up for family gatherings without being a part of the planning process? Are you so busy that you blame your hectic schedule for not collaborating with your spouse over the calendar and finances? The natural pull of life is away from doing the hard work of parenting together. Adulting is not for the faint of heart, only for a heart of faith.
Here are some helpful questions to grow your marriage intimacy and intentionality:
How did you feel loved this past week?
What does your upcoming week look like?
How would you feel most loved and encouraged in the days ahead?
How would you feel pursued in sex/intimacy this week?
How can I pray for you this week?
Perhaps you hit the pause button and pray, “Lord what does it look like for me to co-labor with my spouse and you in the vineyard of my family?” Lead me in how to support my wife in the way she needs to be cared for and cherished. Give me the kind words to affirm my husband and the courage to share with him my concerns. Show us how to comfort and correct our son when his anger causes an embarrassing melt down. Help us be sensitive to our daughter’s pain from being left out by classmates at school. Parenting together, brings couples together to trust Christ. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, bring our hearts together around Christ to parent well together, in His name. Amen.
Application
What is one step we can take to parent better together?
Related Reading
Proverbs 17:6, 22:6; Isaiah 38:19; Luke 1:17; Philippians 1:27
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Parents who co-labor together with Christ experience the wisdom of God in leading their home. #wisdomhunters #parenting #Jesus
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