Change is resisted when family members find more comfort in their familiar chaos (bickering, fighting, hurtful comments) than the sweet alternative of following the Lord’s ways. Teachings and suggestions lovingly rendered could elevate and bless the whole family. Yet when tired, when even the parents ‘don’t want to be bothered’, what then? I make it a discipline to ‘just do it anyway’ and understand the way to any elevated destination is often beset with obstacles (especially at first – Satan will throw in all sorts of distractions to discourage and defeat).
I remember also, when repentant, prayerful, humble in approach, and striving for Christ’s ‘agenda’ in my life [always striving, having yet to arrive!], I can cast Satan out, when I sincerely and in the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace, tell him to leave… then I do things that displace his darkness and that invite again the light of His Spirit. As a parent in a two parent household, it is important to understand that things are easier, when both are ‘equally yoked’. (That ‘equally yoked’ part works better when the ‘equal’ part and I would do more without her suggestions or prodding. Thus further peace and harmony result and Christ’s influence increases in us and in the home.)
I can take comfort that I am on the right track when things later become worse again; Satan’s agenda of defeat, defeat, defeat…. Means I must persist, persist, persist against that darkness by choosing that which always invites Christ’s light. When I sincerely try, consulting with the Lord often, moving one small step at a time, I will have the Lord’s blessing and approval. When we, as parents lead the way, inviting participation (not commanding it) and have the Lord work with us, peace and upward change will come. kdm revised and re-posted 6.6.15
