DUTIFUL CHILDREN

Obedience to parents is the first commandment to which God has added a promise. Children at Ephesus listening to Paul's letter being read out in the assembly would learn this and be taught to obey their parents "in the Lord". This makes it more than a commandment since love for father and mother enters into the matter. We must always remember, too, that the Lord Jesus Himself learned obedience - even unto the death of the cross. He is now exalted highly and blessing flows from Him and returns to Him.

The apostle Paul, writing to Titus, expected him to find in the island-country of Crete households where there were "believing children". This is all the more remarkable since most of the people were evil and liars. One of their own prophets admitted this. God was, however, working amongst these very people and many would learn to be "ready for every good work". In the epistle these words follow immediately the rule of obedience, without which, therefore, good cannot result.

If we do not know the will of our Father, who is in heaven we are able to find out by communion with Him just as a child can ask a parent. Even among animals some learn to obey by watching their owners; with others a bridle or a stick is necessary in order to lead them in the right way. God's providence towards us is often like this. But would you not prefer, as is possible and right, to be guided with His eye upon you?

J.C.Evershed