In-law problems ∙∙
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. – John 8:44
Acts 5:1-3
1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?
A Father’s Wisdom: Choosing Wisely in Marriage
One evening, a young woman brought her fiancé home to meet her parents. After dinner, her mother suggested that her father take the young man aside to learn more about him. The two went for a walk, and the father began asking questions to understand the young man’s plans for the future.
The Conversation: Trusting in God or Avoiding Responsibility?
The Father’s First Question:
- “So, what do you do?”
- The young man confidently replied, “I am a Torah scholar.”
- Impressed but curious, the father continued, “Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in?”
- The young man answered, “I will study, and God will provide for us.”
The Father’s Second Question:
- “How do you plan to buy my daughter a beautiful engagement ring?”
- The young man replied, “I will concentrate on my studies. God will provide for us.”
The Father’s Third Question:
- “And how do you plan to take care of your children?”
- Once again, the young man answered, “Don’t worry, sir. God will provide.”
Each time the father asked a practical question, the young man confidently expressed his trust in God’s provision. Later that evening, when the mother inquired about their conversation, the father humorously replied, “He has no job or plans, but he believes I’m a god and will meet all his needs.”
The Importance of Discernment in Relationships
Since the Fall, humanity has been susceptible to manipulation, especially in times of weakness or distress. This underscores the importance of choosing our companions carefully, particularly when it comes to marriage. Marriage is a lifelong commitment that entails mutual fidelity and support, and it necessitates wisdom and guidance from the Father.
Consider the Family You Marry Into
Many people marry for love without fully considering the family they are joining. It’s important to ask questions such as:
- What kind of people are my potential in-laws?
- What are their values and priorities?
- Will these differences create challenges in the future?
The Lord Jesus Christ makes a profound observation about the two spiritual family lines on Earth: those who have God as their Father and those who have the devil as their father. This distinction is crucial when choosing a spouse.
The Lord Jesus Christ speaking to a group of people that did not believe in Him in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
There is often a strong resemblance between a person’s values and the desires of their spiritual father. People, whether intentionally or unintentionally, usually reflect the character of those they follow. This principle is crucial to consider when entering into marriage. The teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ are not merely advice; they serve as a stern warning. When it comes to marriage, we should consider who our father-in-law might be.
REFLECT & PRAY
Important questions to consider:
- Am I seeking God’s wisdom in my relationships and decisions?
- Do I take into consideration the spiritual and moral values of those closest to me, particularly in marriage?
- How can I ensure that my choices align with God’s will?
Father, sometimes I feel so inadequate to make wise decisions. Errors in judgment and mistakes mark my life. Please help me depend on You more and more for direction and guidance. Teach me to seek Your wisdom in all areas of my life, especially in relationships.
INSIGHT
The Subtle Schemes of the Enemy
The enemy’s tactics are not limited to those outside the family of God. Even the children of the King can be tempted and fall prey to his schemes. Scripture provides clear examples of how the enemy works to influence and destroy, even among the Father’s children.
The Example of Ananias and Sapphira
In Acts 5:3, Peter confronts Ananias, saying, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back some of the price of the land.”
Ananias and Sapphira were strongly influenced by the enemy, who filled their hearts with deceit and greed. Their actions, driven by Satan, ultimately led to their downfall. This serves as a sobering reminder that even children of the King can be manipulated by the enemy if they allow him to gain a foothold in their lives.
The Flaming Darts of the Evil One
Paul warns of the enemy’s attacks in Ephesians 6:16: “In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
The enemy is relentless, always looking for ways to attack our hearts and minds. These “flaming darts” can appear in various forms, such as temptation, doubt, fear, and negative emotions. One of the primary entry points for the enemy’s influence is through unchecked negative feelings.
The Danger of Unchecked Emotions
Ephesians 4:26-27 provides a clear warning: “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
The Greek word topos, translated as “foothold” or “opportunity,” refers to “a specific place or favorable circumstance.” Figuratively, it means “giving the enemy a chance to influence or tempt us.” Unchecked emotions, such as anger, bitterness, or resentment, open the door for the enemy to gain control and wreak havoc in our lives.
Other Gateways for the Enemy
In the immediate context of Ephesians 4:25-31, Paul lists other behaviors that can give the enemy a foothold: lying (v. 25), stealing (v. 28), bitterness, rage, harsh words, slander, and unwholesome talk (v. 29).
These behaviors represent not only moral failings but also opportunities for the enemy to exploit against us. Spiritual warfare involves not only external battles but also the internal struggles within our hearts and minds.
The Nature of the Enemy
The term “devil” comes from the Greek word diabolos, meaning “accuser” or “slanderer.” This is the essence of who he is and what he does. He accuses, deceives, and seeks to destroy. As children of the King, we must remain vigilant and resist his influence.
The Shield of Faith: Our Defense
God has provided us with the shield of faith to protect ourselves and those we love. Ephesians 6:16 reminds us to take it up in all circumstances to extinguish the enemy’s flaming darts. The longer we delay in using this shield, the greater the opportunity we give the enemy to gain a foothold.
Victory Through Christ
The good news is that the Son of God has already defeated the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 declares: “When people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.”
No Middle Ground
For the Apostle Paul, nominal Christianity is not an option. Believers must actively resist the influence of the enemy and stand firm in their faith. Spiritual warfare involves not only external battles but also daily struggles within our hearts and minds.
Through Christ, we gain the power to resist the enemy and overcome his schemes. By relying on the Father’s guidance and the tools He provides, we can remain steadfast in the face of spiritual warfare.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 