“This Will Not Work in the Home”

On a recent trip, my wife and I stayed overnight in a motel. As most guests do, we  used  the  remote-control  to operate the TV. As I was  holding it, I  noticed a label on the back, which read: “This will not work in the home.” The message was obviously intended to discourage  someone from stealing  the remote-control. I assume that someone had safeguarded that remote in some way so as to prevent its being used elsewhere. Whether that is completely fool-proof, I cannot say.

However, as I pondered the wording, I thought of another twist to the phrase: the fact that there are a number of things that will not work “in the home.” Consider the following:

¨ Selfishness—A family cannot work based on a foundation of  “Big ME, little you.” Marriage and parenting both require sacrifice and love on the part of all involved (1 Corinthians 7:4; Ephesians 5:25; 6:1-4).

¨ Dishonesty—Honesty is not only “the best policy” in the home, it is the only policy. Many families are unstable because members are unwilling to be honest with themselves and each other. An extra-marital affair is first and foremost a breach of one’s personal integrity. Such conduct divides a home—and as Jesus said, “ . . . any city or house divided against itself cannot stand.”

¨ Rebellion—Contrary to popular cultural belief, children should not be expected to be rebels. A home in which rebellion occurs is not  happy, nor is it “functional.” Children who respect their parents have far fewer problems than rebels (Ephesians 6:2-3). Rebels cannot please God (1 Samuel 15:22).

¨ Permissiveness—In far too many cases, children are allowed to “rule the roost.” Afraid of damaging the self-esteem of their children, parents back away from firm rules; discipline is neglected and the children are actually deprived of vital training they need to become mature adults. The Bible still says, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Proverbs 13:24).

¨ Secularization—In centuries past, parents “feared God” and the Bible was read and often followed in the home. God was at least assumed to exist and there was a “healthy fear” of eternal punishment. These days, however, the perpetual influence of television brings a postmodern philosophy of “anything goes” and “people don’t really matter very much.” Grappling with the great “issues” of life such as “right” and “wrong” don’t occur in some homes, because, according to many, “right” and “wrong” no longer exist.

I say again, these will not work in the home.  —Lance Cordle