Power in the home

     As we have tackled the different roles God has placed within the families over the last few weeks, I would like to close by giving 2 tips dealing with power that will greatly aid every Christ-centered home.

     Number one...don't desire power that is not yours.  As we see in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve were not content with the role that God had given them and desired to elevate themselves to "be like God"(vs.5).  This same desire was displayed in Acts 8.  Simon had just gotten "saved" and noticed the power that the apostles possessed(vs. 7-8), one that he did not, and he desired it so greatly that he was willing to pay for it.  Satan is very good at encouraging us to lack contentment, especially when it comes to the roles within our family.  Whether it be the child who wants to act like the parent, or the parent who wants to act like the child; the wife that wants to be in charge or the lazy husband that derelicts his duties, God has given us a circle of responsibility, but Satan longs for us to step beyond our boundaries, taking on a role not assigned to us.  Doing so may not cause immediate trouble, but in the long run, havoc will prevail.  May I strongly encouarage you to understand your role, practice it and be content.

     Number two...don't abuse your power.  Power can corrupt, there is no doubt about it.  Power and pride are a deadly combination, destroying everything in its path.  One example of this is found in I Samuel 2:12-36.  Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests in the Lord's house; a position that carried extreme power.  In short, they used their power to gain for themselves.  They choose to take advantage of others and use their position to justify it; God was not pleased(He later killed them, indirectly) A second example is found in Leviticus 10.  Nadab and Abihu were sons of Aaron and were recently placed as priests in charge of certain functions within the tabernacle.  On their first day in office they decided to offer up profane fire, a power that was not commanded nor directed by God; God was not please(He killed them, directly)  In our families, the potential to abuse the power God has given us is real, but we must avoid it.  Maybe its a husband that mistakes his role as head of the home as meaning dictator of the commune; or maybe the wife that witholds certain things from her husband in an attempt to coerce his decision-making. (the list could go on, and on and on)  When we abuse our power, trust is diminished and unity is devoured.

     To close, Christ has done a perfect job at giving us the blueprint for a wonderful home, let's not allow Satan to corrupt that.  May we strive to stay within our boundaries and not abuse our power, understanding that in so doing, love, joy and peace will abound.  May Christ richly bless your home.