Living God's Way: Practical Applications for Christian Relationships

Living God's Way: Practical Applications for Christian Relationships

In our journey through life as Christians, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between the ways of the world and the ways of God. The book of Colossians offers us profound insights into how we can live out our faith in practical, everyday situations. Today, we'll explore how these ancient words apply to our modern lives, particularly in the context of our relationships.

The Foundation: Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

Before we dive into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the foundation. As believers, we are called to "put off" our old ways and "put on" the new. This transformation isn't just an internal change; it should manifest in how we conduct ourselves in all areas of life. When we truly embrace this change, we begin to do life God's way, not the world's way or man's way.

Wives: A Counter-Cultural Call

In Colossians 3:18, we encounter a verse that might make some uncomfortable in today's culture: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord." The Greek word for "submit" here means to subordinate, obey, put under, or subdue. It's a voluntary action, a choice to honor God through honoring one's husband.

This concept flies in the face of modern feminist ideologies, but it's essential to understand it in the context of God's design for marriage. It's not about inferiority or oppression, but about order and respect within the marital relationship.

1 Peter 3:1-2 sheds further light on this, encouraging wives to live in such a way that even husbands who don't obey God's Word might be won over by their wives' pure and reverent lives. The emphasis here is on character and lifestyle, not on blind obedience.

Husbands: Love as Christ Loved

Lest husbands feel they've gotten off easy, Colossians 3:19 presents them with an equally challenging command: "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." The Greek word for love used here is "agapao," which implies a deep, sacrificial love – the kind of love Christ has for the church.

This love is further elaborated in Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Men are called to lay down their lives for their wives, both literally and figuratively. This means prioritizing their wife's wellbeing, both physical and spiritual, above their own desires or pursuits.

Children and Parents: A Reciprocal Relationship

The family dynamic continues with instructions for children and parents. Children are urged to obey their parents "in all things, for this is well pleasing unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:20). This obedience goes beyond mere actions; it's about honoring God through honoring one's parents.

Parents, particularly fathers, are cautioned not to provoke their children to anger, lest they become discouraged (Colossians 3:21). This speaks to the delicate balance of discipline and nurture, reminding parents that their role is to guide and encourage, not to break their children's spirits.

Work Relationships: As Unto the Lord

The principles outlined for family relationships extend into the workplace. While the text speaks of "servants" and "masters," we can easily apply these concepts to employees and employers today.

Workers are encouraged to obey their employers "with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ" (Ephesians 6:5). This doesn't mean cowering in fear, but rather approaching work with sincerity, diligence, and excellence – as if working directly for Christ Himself.

Employers, in turn, are reminded to treat their employees justly and fairly, recognizing that they too answer to a higher authority (Colossians 4:1).

The Heart of the Matter: Serving Christ in All Things

Throughout these instructions, one theme remains constant: whatever we do, we do it as unto the Lord. Whether in marriage, parenting, or work, our actions should reflect our commitment to Christ.

This perspective transforms even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship. It elevates our relationships from mere human interactions to opportunities for spiritual growth and witness. When we approach life this way, we're not just living for ourselves or for the approval of others – we're living for an eternal purpose.

Reflection and Application

As we reflect on these teachings, it's natural to feel challenged. These principles often run counter to our natural inclinations and the messages we receive from society. However, they offer a blueprint for living that, when followed, can lead to more fulfilling relationships and a deeper connection with God.

Consider your own relationships:

- In your marriage, are you striving to embody Christ-like love and respect?
- As a parent, are you nurturing your children's spirits while guiding them in obedience?
- In your workplace, do you approach your tasks as if working directly for God?

The beauty of these teachings is that they apply regardless of our circumstances. Even if we find ourselves in difficult situations – with an unbelieving spouse, challenging children, or a difficult boss – we are called to live out our faith consistently.

Remember, this isn't about perfection. It's about progress. It's about allowing the transformative power of Christ to work in and through us, gradually molding us into His image.

As we strive to live out these principles, we may find that our relationships improve, our witness strengthens, and our own spiritual lives deepen. We begin to experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from living in harmony with God's design.

Let us, therefore, commit to approaching our relationships – be they in family, work, or community – with a renewed perspective. Let us see each interaction as an opportunity to serve Christ, to reflect His love, and to build His kingdom. In doing so, we not only honor God but also find the true purpose and joy He intends for our lives.