Frustrating Family Functioning    

The Bible says: “And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33 (KJV)

Every conscientious parent recognizes how difficult it is to exercise his God-given authority over his children. The delicate balance of being tough yet tender is not easy to maintain. Many parents intensify a rebellious spirit by being dictatorial and harsh. Others yield when their authority is tested. When a strong-willed child resists, the pressure to give in for the sake of peace and harmony can become overpowering. I am reminded of the mother who wanted to have the last word but couldn’t handle the hassle that resulted whenever she said no to her young son. After an especially trying day, she finally flung up her hands and shouted, “All right, Billy, do whatever you want! Now let me see you disobey THAT!”

All humor aside; parents only want the best for their children. Like David, no matter what our children do we want to love them, respect their freedom, and agonize when they make errors in judgement and actions. What is the most important relationship between parents and their offspring: That parents and children alike put the Lord first in their lives. It is amazing how much smarter my parents got as I grew older. How I wish I had figured that out before!

Satan would love to do nothing more than divide, antagonize, disrupt, and destroy the family. He has been seeking to do just that since Genesis 3! Remember we wrestle not against flesh and blood! 

     Daily Chronological Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 16-18