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? 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 upward and Christlike resolve).
I remember also, when repentant, prayerful, humble in approach, and striving for Christ’s ‘agenda’ in my life [always striving and often… forever, it seems, having yet to arrive!], I can cast Satan out, when I sincerely and in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, tell him to leave… then, my part is to do things that displace the darkness and invite again the light of the Spirit. As a parent in a one or two parent household, it is important to appreciate that things can be so much easier. When yoked with Jesus Christ, our chances of success are greatly increased! (see Matthew 11:28-30)
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— through ‘elevated’ rewards (not commanding it) and have the Lord work with us, peace and upward change will come. We found too, that the closer children are to leaving the nest, the more they want to show independence… meaning they tend to give plenty of reason to bring their parents fully ‘on board’ with their departure! kdm
originally posted 6.6.15 (revised)
