10:05 SYMPOSIUM
Designed to highlight how family members can imitate Jehovah's cardinal qualities.
SYMPOSIUM : Imitate God in Your Family"From far away Jehovah appeared to me and said: “I have loved you with an everlasting love. That is why I have drawn you to me with loyal love" - Jer 31:3 Pt I Upholding Justice Consistently
INTRODUCTION: Jehovah is a Father and he has a grand heavenly family of his heavenly spirits. He also founded the human family. For families to succeed they must imitate Jehovah's cardinal qualities including that of
justice.
Justice is
doing what is right in a fair and impartial way according to a standard; it is almost interchangable with the word righteous. Humans have an inherit need for justice since we were created in God's image (Jer 9:24). Jehovah takes delight in familiy members
Ways that
WAYS THAT JEHOVAH'S JUSTICE CONTRIBUTE TO A HAPPY FAMILY LIFE
a) by encouraging the fair treatement of our marriage mate.
This would involve by avoiding the following unfair treatments:
- comparing marriage mates to other
- fantacizing of others by means of pornography
- forming improper attachments to others ouside their union (Gen 2:24)
- witholding from children the care attention they need and deserve
b) by helping us to resolve conflicts.
James said "mercy triumphs over judgement" in the sense that when we are being judged by Jehovah, He takes into account our acts of mercy towards others. Jehovah that expects us to show mercy to other family members when conflicts arise pr when we are wronged (Jam 2:13)
c) It helps when différences arise over finances, inheritances or relationships. As christians we avoid selfishness and greed, even be ready to be wronged in order to keep familiar peace ( 1 Cor 5:7; Rom 12:18)
LEARNING TO LIVE BY JUSTICEFamily members should care and respect each other. Are we quick to excuse our own shortcomings but are often quick focus on those of others which may well be insignificant when it comes to our own. If Jehovah's justice allows Him to overlook our shortcomings who are we to judge family members harshly
[Luke 6:41]?
WIVES deserve to be treated with love and honour as precious partners. Parents who expression appreciation to each other, freely complimenting each other, show their children that such expressions give pleasure to the recipient, thus teaching their children by example and improving family relations (Prov 31: 28 - New Century Version)
HUSBANDS expect to be accorded respect as they exercise headship in a loving way in imitation of Jehovah and Christ Jesus.
CHILDREN should be able to grow up in a household that affords them dignity and helps them become responsible adults. They deserse a fair assesment of their needs and circumstances. It would be unfair to expect more of them than they are capable of doing.
Discipline also involves administering loving discipline in a kind and loving way. Wives can assist their husband by being supportive.
SYMPOSIUM : Imitate God in Your Family
Pt II Using Resources Wisely
INTRODUCTION: Many familitys struggle to cover even basic needs, others have a relative abundance, but regardless of our circumstances we are stewards of Jehovah's provisions and like Him must use resources wisely as reflectful in they many natural cycles in natue. Jesus to was not wasteful of material resources.
We can use our family resources wisely
a)
Our time and energy. We are admonished to make the best use of our time to care for the more important things the spiritual things(Eph 5: 15, 16). How much time does my family devote to sport and Entertainment
b)
Talents and Abilities. Jehovah will always support us in our efforts if we are using our talents in support of kingdom intersts. He will even enhance our skills as he did with
Bezelel and Oholiab Whatever natural natural aptitude they had were enhanced by Jehovah's spirit which enabled them to mee (see
w15 1/15 p. 3-5).
c)Material Possessions; Our voluntary contributions support our worldwide work. Paul encouraged families not to wait to the end of the week to see what is left over but to put something aside according to their circumstances (
1 Cor 16: 1, 2)
To use our material resources we must be content with what we need and be focused on kingdom needs (Mat 6:22)
CONCLUSION We must maintain our balance so that we care for our primary responsibilities. Contributions should never lead to the neglect the spirital or material needs of our families (2 Cor 8:12).
