Christian Households

“When I was 10, all I’d ever known at home was chaos,” said pastor and author Tony Evans. However, things changed after his father put his faith in Christ. His mother was against her husband’s newly found faith. But, over time, she was impressed by his patience, commitment to reading God’s Word, and Christ-like attitude. One night, she admitted, “I want what you have because it must be real.” His dad, then his mother, followed by Tony Evans and his siblings, all came to know Christ as their Savior. Evans says, “The impact of a father on a home, the impact of a husband on a marriage, and the impact of a man on a church or community can’t be emphasized enough.”

In his letter to the Ephesians Paul gives instructions on how to establish a Christian household. The beginning verse expresses how each member of a Christian family ought to relate to one another. When Paul speaks of submission in verse 21 he is urging family members to treat each other with respect and humility. He goes on to paint a picture of selflessness and servanthood where a family tries to “out-serve” one another.

Verses 22–24 are directed specifically to wives and verses 25–33 focus on husbands. Both husbands and wives are to consider that they treat their spouse in a similar way to how they treat the Lord. He is at the center of our relationships. Many books have been written and sermons preached on these verses, but it is always important to keep verse 21 as our focal point. When all members of a family make it a priority to serve one another, look out for one another, and to think of others more highly than themselves, we will become the wives and husbands God intended us to be.

>> For some, these verses may be difficult. We are to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (v. 21). How will you put others ahead of yourself today?

Pray with Us

Moody’s president, Dr. Mark Jobe, will appreciate your prayer support today. Pray that he and his leadership team will continue to work well together in order to serve the Institute in the best possible way, in unity and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini believes “the Bible is still relevant, leadership is essential, and the Church’s best days are still ahead.” Chris is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the University of Edinburgh, and Gonzaga University. He served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children now reside in North Carolina.