Commitment to Family

I. Text: Ephesians 5:22-29

II. Definition

A. What it is

B. Some define it as a promise or a determination to do something. When we commit to do something, we pledge ourselves to accomplish what we have planned. It is interesting that we also use the word to describe the process of consigning one to prison for we put them in a place of no escape. In commitment, we consign ourselves to fulfill what we have begun, becoming a willing prisoner to our desire to become something more than what we are.

C. Commitment requires a determination to reach one’s objectives no matter what the obstacle.

D. A person who is not committed will usually give up on his goal at the first sign of trouble, opposition, or difficulty. A wholly committed person will work through any difficulties in order to realize a goal. Many remember the movie Apollo 13 about the trouble-filled attempt to land men on the moon then, when NASA aborted the mission, to bring them home safely. “Failure is not an option.” Commitments are hard but that is what makes the rewards so sweet. Commitment requires an object or goal to which we pledge ourselves.

E. How do we do it?

F. We determine what God wants us to do, through study of His word, and pledge to keep His commandments. When we feel like giving up, we do not; we seek help, we pray, we find the inner strength to continue when our mind is telling us to give up.

G. We realistically accept obstacles as necessary, setbacks as part of the journey, and opposition as expected.

H. The devil does not want you to please God

I. He will throw obstacles in your way and try to stop you He will try to frustrate you so you will give up God promises His strength for us, Ephesians 6:10-13.

III. Commitment to our spouses

A. Divine instruction

B. Hebrews 5:25 – Husbands love your wives Titus 2:4-5 – Wives to their husbands

C. We need this commitment in a time when people do not take the marriage covenant seriously and will divorce for unscriptural reasons.

D. Matthew 19:3-9 – Not for just any cause Marriage is work, it is hard, therefore the commitment must be serious and we must carefully choose whom we will marry. We must commit ourselves to the marriage so that we will work out any problems that arise.

E. We need this commitment in a time when people cheat on their spouses

F. Proverbs 7:6-23 – The wife who was not faithful Proverbs 5:15-18 – Find joy in your own marriage relationship The answer to marriage problems is not in someone else’s arms; things always seem better on the other side of the fence, but it is deception. Commit your desire and affections to your spouse, alone, and focus on making that relationship work.

G. We need this commitment in a time when people will let hobbies and work interfere with the marriage

H. Hobbies are good and, with the stress of society, probably necessary outlets for us. We must work in order to provide for our families. However, these good things can create major problems in the marriage when we do not keep them in proper perspective. Our hobbies and work can become so time consuming that we neglect our responsibilities or opportunity to share time with the family. Mothers, as well as fathers, can be guilty of this. We can all be doing good things, yet things that take us from our primary obligations in the home.

IV. Parent’s commitment to children

A. Ephesians 6:4 – Raise children in the Lord

B. Those of us who are parents have great power in our hands.

C. We hold the future in our hands: the future of our community, our nation, and the church in our children. However, children require leadership and nurturing to direct them into the correct manner of life. Our decisions are often difficult and unpopular, yet parents must make those tough decisions and support our children when they have to stand for what they believe.

D. We impress lessons and habits on our children that will reach many generations into the future.

E. If we develop good study and prayer habits in our children’s lives now, it will be easier for them to study and pray when they are older. When we teach our children responsibility and accountability, we are preparing them for being responsible adults who will not pass the blame for their failings or poor decisions.

F. We have precious little time to mold their lives for the opportunities and obstacles they will face in life.

G. They depend on us to set them on a correct course and equip them for life.

V. Children’s commitment to parents

A. Ephesians 6:1 – Children obey your parents

B. Children must commit themselves to obeying their parents even when they don’t like the decisions – trust their judgment.

C. Determine to show respect to your parents and understand their difficult work.

D. Do not cause them to grieve in their work, Hebrews 13:17 (written to elders but applicable to parents)

E. Do not whine about not having the perfect family—it does not exist.