Quality of life – who doesn’t want that?
The family environment is where it all starts.
A healthy family begins with a strong, happy, marriage.
Parents that are united and happy in their relationship equals a happy healthy childhood. The role model is formed… the pattern continues.
The reverse is also true. Unstable, unhealthy, unhappy families produce unhealthy, unhappy, unstable children. Sadly, this becomes the pattern, and we witness this over and over.
None the less, we do witness strong, happy, healthy families, giving hope… Baruch HaShem.
“As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom he loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other if one of you has a complaint against another. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, put on love, the perfect bond. And may the peace of Moshiach reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together in one body. Always be thankful. Let the word of Moshiach, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and whatever you say or do, let it be in the name of the Lord Yeshua, in thanksgiving to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:12-17 [NJB]
We should ponder and absorb the above scriptures. These words are for the children of Israel, a set apart people whom HaShem loves. If any reading this believe themselves to be amongst the chosen of HaShem, then these words are for you. This carries great responsibility and means we must be not only seen as a set apart [Holy] people, but we must act as a set apart people. We must strive to mirror the conduct and patterns of HaShem and Moshiach Yeshua.
One of the challenges we face is trying to achieve consistency in conduct. This is not easy and we should not dismiss the challenge. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, had trouble being consistent in his conduct. Yet at the same time we can be encouraged by the relationship between HaShem and King David.
Keeping our hearts and minds focused on the things of HaShem is crucial if we are to achieve consistency in our behaviour and conduct.
Doing the simple such as singing songs and psalms that glorify The Almighty helps us keep focused and consistent.
We must associate with those who teach the Torah of Moshe… the rich Word of Moshiach - changing hearts and building faithfulness.
Consistency of behaviour is import in our relationship with our Father, but it is crucial in family relationships.
Just as we have trouble being balanced and consistent with our Father, most have trouble being balanced and consistent with spouses, children and parents.
We tell our children not to lie… then tell them to believe in Santa Clause.
Take a moment to consider the lies Christian leaders tell their people regarding biblical matters.
Ø Was Yeshua HaMoshiach born on the 25th of December?
Ø Is Sunday the biblical Sabbath?
Ø Will purchasing indulgences save a soul?
These are just a few of the lies people are told with supposed authority.
Present day Judaism has its fair share of deceptions and lies as well.
This is of no surprise and it certainly doesn’t take HaShem by surprise, but we should endeavour to remove this pattern of deception from our lives.
The bottom line is that people are being deceived, and with this deception comes a damaged relationship with HaShem. A damaged relationship with HaShem results in a lack of wisdom, as it is only HaShem that provides perfect wisdom.
The other concerning factor with these ongoing deceptions is that it can form unhealthy patterns. We have a hard enough time keeping to the straite and narrow at the best of times, let alone having the influence of condoned deceptions.
I ask:
Ø Did Yeshua ever deceive anyone?
Ø What advice would Yeshua give regarding these deceptions found within Christianity and Judaism?
Ø Would Yeshua and does Yeshua condone deception among His people?
Ø Would Yeshua counsel parents, spouses and children to deceive one another?
Sha’ul tells us to “let the Word of Moshiach, in all its richness, find a home within you”.
I suggest the Word of Moshiach is not a Word of lies and deception. The Word of Moshiach results in healthy behaviours and patterns, not unhealthy ones. The Word of Moshiach enriches relationships and teaches about biblical love as against the present day understanding of love.
The Word of HaShem makes us better parents, spouses and children.
We should try and saturate ourselves with the Word of HaShem, as we strive to improve our lives in a world surrounded by darkness.
We have a responsibility to not only improve our own lives, but the lives of our families and communities, especially the communities of the nation of Israel.
We do this via the Torah of Moshe and the Word of Moshiach… building up our faithfulness to HaShem. True love is the stable foundation for faithfulness and we would be wise to learn about it.
“Let faithful love and constancy never leave you; tie them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Thus, you will find favour and success in the sight of God and people. Trust wholeheartedly in HaShem, put no faith in your own perception; acknowledge him in every course you take, and He will see that your paths are smooth. Do not congratulate yourself on your own wisdom, fear HaShem and turn your back on evil: health-giving, this, to your body, relief to your bones.” Proverbs 3:3-8 [NJB]
May the grace, love and wisdom of HaShem and Yeshua HaMoshiach be with you!
Rabbi Philip Hammond.