VISION GROWTH INTERNATIONAL
Article: 06 / 2010 (written by C.G Kanyenze)
OUR DUTY TO OUR PARENTS
‘If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.’ Proverbs 20v20
Every person on earth was born by a mother and has a male person who fathered him/her. This makes this article relevant to every reader. Even if you have lost all your parents you have some people who play the parental role in spiritual, social or career circles. In this article I am highlighting what you ought to do to your parents.
I heard of a church here in Zimbabwe where there was an outpouring of blessings which came after the pastor instructed the congregants to bring their parents to town and buy them something significant. Those who obeyed got things from God which they had never received after long prayer and fasting sessions. In my personal life, my father cared the most for his mother and he died the most blessed compared to all his siblings. One of my elder brothers sacrificed the most for our family’s well being; he was my guardian from Form One till now; and he has been blessed way ahead of every other person in our family. These are not mere coincidental incidents found in life. I am convinced the parents in question are the source of these blessings. With my eyes I have seen what I have written about changing people’s lives. I can say with confidence this article will change your life for the better if you take heed.
Hating/hurting/offending your parents will take you nowhere. The Shona people had an idea of this when they said that that if you beat your mother for whatever reason you will be haunted (kutanda botso) and some say, you can even go mad. Its taboo to hit your father (baba havarohwi).This reinforces that it is a great moral value to respect your parents. Paul writes Timothy saying, ‘Do not rebuke an older man but exhort him as you would a father….’ (1 Timothy 5 v 1). It’s like witchcraft to hate your parents. How can you say you love your father in heaven if you can’t love your father on earth who you can see? The prodigal son in Luke 15 was spot on, he knew there was no way he could offend his earthly father without offending his heavenly Father. You might not like or feel like respecting your parents but it is God’s command. You just have no option but you have to follow His commands lest you become a rebellious child like Lucifer.
Learn from the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Noah. They spoke blessings into their children and whatever they spoke into their lives came to pass. To those who spoke a curse into some of their children’s lives till this day it’s still evident in the descendants of these cursed tribes. Some blessings cannot be prayed for in churches, they are hidden in your parents’ mouth. Don’t allow your parents to speak a curse into your life for any genuine reason because God honours their words. The only exception is when their curse is baseless that is where Proverbs 26v2 comes into play which says, ‘a curse causeless will not come.’
Putting a smile on your parent’s face is as good as getting a smile from heaven. By simply putting a smile on your parent’s face you obtain some favour from God. Some long awaited promotions are going to come into your life if you simply do well to your parents and seek forgiveness for any misunderstanding you had with them. Even when you were not really wrong what do you lose by saying I am sorry? Open the floodgates of blessings from your parents’ mouth by constantly doing them good. It’s not out of this world for you to visit your parents neither is it too expensive for you even to write them a letter once every six months? Get used to doing well to your parents because significant breakthroughs are in your parents’ comments about you.
When our parents are in old age it is our responsibility as their children to care for them and to grant them medical attention. We must make sure they are having good nutrition, good warm clothes and that they are well looked after. It brings a curse on your life to neglect your parents. In most families you will never reach consensus as children as to what each person must do for the parents; just do your part even in isolation and God will see your sacrifice and reward you accordingly as an individual. Be good to your parents even if they get to the level of losing their minds, just do your best. Some become very difficult to please in old age but be patient with them and some day you will understand why when you are old yourself. The God whom I serve will reward every labour of love you show towards your parents; don’t relent, your reward from heaven is on the way.
To respect and to honour your parents is the first commandment of the ten which God attached a promise with (Ephesians 6v 2). The promise to observers of this instruction is invaluable – God adds more life to you. So some deaths of youths are a result of failing to observe this law. For example no parent wants his/her child to be a prostitute, if a child dishonours his/her parents by being promiscuous and gets infected by HIV what has killed this person? You are right what would have killed this child is dishonouring his/her parents. God is also a parent that’s why he emphasises that we must respect our parents. How can we claim to love the invisible Parent when we can’t respect our visible biological parents? What you say you will do to God if he was human do it to your parents. He will respect such deeds as good as if you have done them to Him directly.
Many Christians struggle to love their heathen parents but on the contrary God never said respect your good parents only. He said respect your parents and that’s it. He knew some will have a ‘holier than thou’ attitude and want to discard their parents. In the new found Kingdom (Christian) life, don’t forget it’s your parent who changed your nappies not your pastor; it’s your parent who paid your school fees not church offerings. You stayed in your parents’ home not parsonage. You ate your parents’ food not Holy Communion. For nine months you were in your mother’s womb not in a crusade tent. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. I am a Christian and I am by no means contemplating that you leave your church obligations and look after your parents. No! I am saying balance the two. God asks for a tithe and on the remaining 90% there is what you must set aside for your parents as well. May all readers say, ‘Amen!’
Your parents–in-law are as good as your parents, respect them as well. If your spouse is cursed you are equally cursed. It’s so because you share your lives; you better help him/her to be blessed by his/her parents. Fathers, it’s a show of great respect to your parents-in-law to pay them their full lobola. To mothers, it’s very evil to accuse your mothers-in-law of witchcraft. You can’t do it without hurting your husband. Even if she is a witch for real, be grateful for the mere fact that she did not eat her child, your husband so respect her for that. By God’s standards even enemies (in this case a witch) must be loved; maybe it’s just that she is hard-hearted but she is not a witch, who knows? Also turning on you the accuser, ‘When did you start moving in the gift of discernment with 100% precision?’ If you are that accurate, ‘Why couldn’t you pick it when you were still dating that your spouse is mothered by a witch?’ Witches are there I admit but here I am saying, ‘If God allows his sun to shine to these witches and let’s his rains to fall on their fields who are you to withhold your love from them especially when you are now closely related to them?’ You are not perfect, tolerate other people’s shortcomings.
Mind the way you speak to your parents. That’s one avenue we get to offend our parents most of the times unintentionally. Minimise quarrelling with your parents even on general subjects for example politics or church issues. You can wisely preach Christ to them without arguing with them. Too few people have ever repented because of an argument they had on issues of Christ and the Holy Ghost. The easiest way to preach to your parents is firstly to get their attention by doing them the best. First show them love and you will easily get heard when you start preaching about Christ to them. Your sermon is most powerful if backed with unquestionable love.
I am not a disillusioned writer by writing this article. I really know that some parents have been very nasty to their children. Some fathers denied their children parenthood, some got to the extent of sexually abusing their children. Some mothers cast evil spells on their children just because they refused to join them in witchcraft. Some mothers sweared that their daughters will never get married for no justifiable reasons. I am aware of all this but I insist that as unreasonable as they were/are; love and respect them. For the mere fact that you were in her womb for 9 months respect her as a mother. For the mere fact that he contributed his seed at fertilisation of your mother’s womb love and respect him as your father. It’s not your duty to punish him/her. God is the judge. Just do your part of honouring your parents as a child. Lest you all be equally to blame for falling short of meeting God’s commands.
One way you can also honour your parents is to prosper in your life. If your parents sent you to school and you excel that brings satisfaction to them with you enjoying the fruits more than them but they will be very proud of you. If you live right with your spouse you have added health to your parents because your divorce or separation makes their blood pressure shoot up. If you get arrested the dishonour of being called the parents of a criminal is too heart wrecking for their ailing health. Spare them from such cruelty. A parent of a drunkard has no joy because he/she will be seeing his/her child ruining himself. A parent of an unrepentant (non God fearing) child is concerned because his/her child is hell-bound. It’s not primitive or short sightedness for your parents to point you to Christ in prayers or words. Please help them by taking heed to what God instructs you to do (repenting and believing) and you won’t go wrong.
One of the core competencies of your parents which you cannot easily realise is their ability to counsel. They went through most of the things you are to go through in life and they are very capable and qualified to give you counsel. They might not be academically learned as you are but in life issues they are professors. Take heed of what you parents advises or advised you. For Solomon to ask for wisdom from God, his father David had taught him, ‘Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; in all your getting get understanding.’ (Proverbs 4 v7). Take heed of what this Solomon gets to write, ‘My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart always; tie them about your neck. When you walk they will lead you….’ (Proverbs 6v20-22).Your parents might not be the most perfect beings on earth but they are God given. Since they are God appointed so let’s honour them in every way possible. Remember this spiritual key - In whatever you do to your parents you are sowing seeds you will harvest in what your children will do to you in turn.
My Quotable Quote: You are a product of your parents’ sacrifices so respect them always.
Vision Growth International is a motivational company which is committed to the transformation of humanity through expression of simple yet profound divine wisdom to whosoever requires it. The wisdom presented is Bible based and it is currently circulated for free to people who aspire to be significant people in this world. All issues that affect the fulfilment of vision of each human being are addressed. The founder of Vision Growth International has been specifically called by God ‘to mentor others in these changing times.’ To receive the articles directly write to visiongrowthinternational@gmail.com or cgkanyenze@gmail.com with subject ‘Subscribe’ or ‘Unsubscribe’ if you are no longer interested. A blog is also available on www.visiongrowthinternational.blogspot.com
©Vision Growth International (V.G.I) Publications 2010.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
OUR DUTY TO OUR PARENTS
VISION GROWTH INTERNATIONAL
Article: 06 / 2010 (written by C.G Kanyenze)
OUR DUTY TO OUR PARENTS
‘If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.’ Proverbs 20v20
Every person on earth was born by a mother and has a male person who fathered him/her. This makes this article relevant to every reader. Even if you have lost all your parents you have some people who play the parental role in spiritual, social or career circles. In this article I am highlighting what you ought to do to your parents.
I heard of a church here in Zimbabwe where there was an outpouring of blessings which came after the pastor instructed the congregants to bring their parents to town and buy them something significant. Those who obeyed got things from God which they had never received after long prayer and fasting sessions. In my personal life, my father cared the most for his mother and he died the most blessed compared to all his siblings. One of my elder brothers sacrificed the most for our family’s well being; he was my guardian from Form One till now; and he has been blessed way ahead of every other person in our family. These are not mere coincidental incidents found in life. I am convinced the parents in question are the source of these blessings. With my eyes I have seen what I have written about changing people’s lives. I can say with confidence this article will change your life for the better if you take heed.
Hating/hurting/offending your parents will take you nowhere. The Shona people had an idea of this when they said that that if you beat your mother for whatever reason you will be haunted (kutanda botso) and some say, you can even go mad. Its taboo to hit your father (baba havarohwi).This reinforces that it is a great moral value to respect your parents. Paul writes Timothy saying, ‘Do not rebuke an older man but exhort him as you would a father….’ (1 Timothy 5 v 1). It’s like witchcraft to hate your parents. How can you say you love your father in heaven if you can’t love your father on earth who you can see? The prodigal son in Luke 15 was spot on, he knew there was no way he could offend his earthly father without offending his heavenly Father. You might not like or feel like respecting your parents but it is God’s command. You just have no option but you have to follow His commands lest you become a rebellious child like Lucifer.
Learn from the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Noah. They spoke blessings into their children and whatever they spoke into their lives came to pass. To those who spoke a curse into some of their children’s lives till this day it’s still evident in the descendants of these cursed tribes. Some blessings cannot be prayed for in churches, they are hidden in your parents’ mouth. Don’t allow your parents to speak a curse into your life for any genuine reason because God honours their words. The only exception is when their curse is baseless that is where Proverbs 26v2 comes into play which says, ‘a curse causeless will not come.’
Putting a smile on your parent’s face is as good as getting a smile from heaven. By simply putting a smile on your parent’s face you obtain some favour from God. Some long awaited promotions are going to come into your life if you simply do well to your parents and seek forgiveness for any misunderstanding you had with them. Even when you were not really wrong what do you lose by saying I am sorry? Open the floodgates of blessings from your parents’ mouth by constantly doing them good. It’s not out of this world for you to visit your parents neither is it too expensive for you even to write them a letter once every six months? Get used to doing well to your parents because significant breakthroughs are in your parents’ comments about you.
When our parents are in old age it is our responsibility as their children to care for them and to grant them medical attention. We must make sure they are having good nutrition, good warm clothes and that they are well looked after. It brings a curse on your life to neglect your parents. In most families you will never reach consensus as children as to what each person must do for the parents; just do your part even in isolation and God will see your sacrifice and reward you accordingly as an individual. Be good to your parents even if they get to the level of losing their minds, just do your best. Some become very difficult to please in old age but be patient with them and some day you will understand why when you are old yourself. The God whom I serve will reward every labour of love you show towards your parents; don’t relent, your reward from heaven is on the way.
To respect and to honour your parents is the first commandment of the ten which God attached a promise with (Ephesians 6v 2). The promise to observers of this instruction is invaluable – God adds more life to you. So some deaths of youths are a result of failing to observe this law. For example no parent wants his/her child to be a prostitute, if a child dishonours his/her parents by being promiscuous and gets infected by HIV what has killed this person? You are right what would have killed this child is dishonouring his/her parents. God is also a parent that’s why he emphasises that we must respect our parents. How can we claim to love the invisible Parent when we can’t respect our visible biological parents? What you say you will do to God if he was human do it to your parents. He will respect such deeds as good as if you have done them to Him directly.
Many Christians struggle to love their heathen parents but on the contrary God never said respect your good parents only. He said respect your parents and that’s it. He knew some will have a ‘holier than thou’ attitude and want to discard their parents. In the new found Kingdom (Christian) life, don’t forget it’s your parent who changed your nappies not your pastor; it’s your parent who paid your school fees not church offerings. You stayed in your parents’ home not parsonage. You ate your parents’ food not Holy Communion. For nine months you were in your mother’s womb not in a crusade tent. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. I am a Christian and I am by no means contemplating that you leave your church obligations and look after your parents. No! I am saying balance the two. God asks for a tithe and on the remaining 90% there is what you must set aside for your parents as well. May all readers say, ‘Amen!’
Your parents–in-law are as good as your parents, respect them as well. If your spouse is cursed you are equally cursed. It’s so because you share your lives; you better help him/her to be blessed by his/her parents. Fathers, it’s a show of great respect to your parents-in-law to pay them their full lobola. To mothers, it’s very evil to accuse your mothers-in-law of witchcraft. You can’t do it without hurting your husband. Even if she is a witch for real, be grateful for the mere fact that she did not eat her child, your husband so respect her for that. By God’s standards even enemies (in this case a witch) must be loved; maybe it’s just that she is hard-hearted but she is not a witch, who knows? Also turning on you the accuser, ‘When did you start moving in the gift of discernment with 100% precision?’ If you are that accurate, ‘Why couldn’t you pick it when you were still dating that your spouse is mothered by a witch?’ Witches are there I admit but here I am saying, ‘If God allows his sun to shine to these witches and let’s his rains to fall on their fields who are you to withhold your love from them especially when you are now closely related to them?’ You are not perfect, tolerate other people’s shortcomings.
Mind the way you speak to your parents. That’s one avenue we get to offend our parents most of the times unintentionally. Minimise quarrelling with your parents even on general subjects for example politics or church issues. You can wisely preach Christ to them without arguing with them. Too few people have ever repented because of an argument they had on issues of Christ and the Holy Ghost. The easiest way to preach to your parents is firstly to get their attention by doing them the best. First show them love and you will easily get heard when you start preaching about Christ to them. Your sermon is most powerful if backed with unquestionable love.
I am not a disillusioned writer by writing this article. I really know that some parents have been very nasty to their children. Some fathers denied their children parenthood, some got to the extent of sexually abusing their children. Some mothers cast evil spells on their children just because they refused to join them in witchcraft. Some mothers sweared that their daughters will never get married for no justifiable reasons. I am aware of all this but I insist that as unreasonable as they were/are; love and respect them. For the mere fact that you were in her womb for 9 months respect her as a mother. For the mere fact that he contributed his seed at fertilisation of your mother’s womb love and respect him as your father. It’s not your duty to punish him/her. God is the judge. Just do your part of honouring your parents as a child. Lest you all be equally to blame for falling short of meeting God’s commands.
One way you can also honour your parents is to prosper in your life. If your parents sent you to school and you excel that brings satisfaction to them with you enjoying the fruits more than them but they will be very proud of you. If you live right with your spouse you have added health to your parents because your divorce or separation makes their blood pressure shoot up. If you get arrested the dishonour of being called the parents of a criminal is too heart wrecking for their ailing health. Spare them from such cruelty. A parent of a drunkard has no joy because he/she will be seeing his/her child ruining himself. A parent of an unrepentant (non God fearing) child is concerned because his/her child is hell-bound. It’s not primitive or short sightedness for your parents to point you to Christ in prayers or words. Please help them by taking heed to what God instructs you to do (repenting and believing) and you won’t go wrong.
One of the core competencies of your parents which you cannot easily realise is their ability to counsel. They went through most of the things you are to go through in life and they are very capable and qualified to give you counsel. They might not be academically learned as you are but in life issues they are professors. Take heed of what you parents advises or advised you. For Solomon to ask for wisdom from God, his father David had taught him, ‘Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; in all your getting get understanding.’ (Proverbs 4 v7). Take heed of what this Solomon gets to write, ‘My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart always; tie them about your neck. When you walk they will lead you….’ (Proverbs 6v20-22).Your parents might not be the most perfect beings on earth but they are God given. Since they are God appointed so let’s honour them in every way possible. Remember this spiritual key - In whatever you do to your parents you are sowing seeds you will harvest in what your children will do to you in turn.
My Quotable Quote: You are a product of your parents’ sacrifices so respect them always.
Vision Growth International is a motivational company which is committed to the transformation of humanity through expression of simple yet profound divine wisdom to whosoever requires it. The wisdom presented is Bible based and it is currently circulated for free to people who aspire to be significant people in this world. All issues that affect the fulfilment of vision of each human being are addressed. The founder of Vision Growth International has been specifically called by God ‘to mentor others in these changing times.’ To receive the articles directly write to visiongrowthinternational@gmail.com or cgkanyenze@gmail.com with subject ‘Subscribe’ or ‘Unsubscribe’ if you are no longer interested. A blog is also available on www.visiongrowthinternational.blogspot.com
©Vision Growth International (V.G.I) Publications 2010.
Article: 06 / 2010 (written by C.G Kanyenze)
OUR DUTY TO OUR PARENTS
‘If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.’ Proverbs 20v20
Every person on earth was born by a mother and has a male person who fathered him/her. This makes this article relevant to every reader. Even if you have lost all your parents you have some people who play the parental role in spiritual, social or career circles. In this article I am highlighting what you ought to do to your parents.
I heard of a church here in Zimbabwe where there was an outpouring of blessings which came after the pastor instructed the congregants to bring their parents to town and buy them something significant. Those who obeyed got things from God which they had never received after long prayer and fasting sessions. In my personal life, my father cared the most for his mother and he died the most blessed compared to all his siblings. One of my elder brothers sacrificed the most for our family’s well being; he was my guardian from Form One till now; and he has been blessed way ahead of every other person in our family. These are not mere coincidental incidents found in life. I am convinced the parents in question are the source of these blessings. With my eyes I have seen what I have written about changing people’s lives. I can say with confidence this article will change your life for the better if you take heed.
Hating/hurting/offending your parents will take you nowhere. The Shona people had an idea of this when they said that that if you beat your mother for whatever reason you will be haunted (kutanda botso) and some say, you can even go mad. Its taboo to hit your father (baba havarohwi).This reinforces that it is a great moral value to respect your parents. Paul writes Timothy saying, ‘Do not rebuke an older man but exhort him as you would a father….’ (1 Timothy 5 v 1). It’s like witchcraft to hate your parents. How can you say you love your father in heaven if you can’t love your father on earth who you can see? The prodigal son in Luke 15 was spot on, he knew there was no way he could offend his earthly father without offending his heavenly Father. You might not like or feel like respecting your parents but it is God’s command. You just have no option but you have to follow His commands lest you become a rebellious child like Lucifer.
Learn from the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Noah. They spoke blessings into their children and whatever they spoke into their lives came to pass. To those who spoke a curse into some of their children’s lives till this day it’s still evident in the descendants of these cursed tribes. Some blessings cannot be prayed for in churches, they are hidden in your parents’ mouth. Don’t allow your parents to speak a curse into your life for any genuine reason because God honours their words. The only exception is when their curse is baseless that is where Proverbs 26v2 comes into play which says, ‘a curse causeless will not come.’
Putting a smile on your parent’s face is as good as getting a smile from heaven. By simply putting a smile on your parent’s face you obtain some favour from God. Some long awaited promotions are going to come into your life if you simply do well to your parents and seek forgiveness for any misunderstanding you had with them. Even when you were not really wrong what do you lose by saying I am sorry? Open the floodgates of blessings from your parents’ mouth by constantly doing them good. It’s not out of this world for you to visit your parents neither is it too expensive for you even to write them a letter once every six months? Get used to doing well to your parents because significant breakthroughs are in your parents’ comments about you.
When our parents are in old age it is our responsibility as their children to care for them and to grant them medical attention. We must make sure they are having good nutrition, good warm clothes and that they are well looked after. It brings a curse on your life to neglect your parents. In most families you will never reach consensus as children as to what each person must do for the parents; just do your part even in isolation and God will see your sacrifice and reward you accordingly as an individual. Be good to your parents even if they get to the level of losing their minds, just do your best. Some become very difficult to please in old age but be patient with them and some day you will understand why when you are old yourself. The God whom I serve will reward every labour of love you show towards your parents; don’t relent, your reward from heaven is on the way.
To respect and to honour your parents is the first commandment of the ten which God attached a promise with (Ephesians 6v 2). The promise to observers of this instruction is invaluable – God adds more life to you. So some deaths of youths are a result of failing to observe this law. For example no parent wants his/her child to be a prostitute, if a child dishonours his/her parents by being promiscuous and gets infected by HIV what has killed this person? You are right what would have killed this child is dishonouring his/her parents. God is also a parent that’s why he emphasises that we must respect our parents. How can we claim to love the invisible Parent when we can’t respect our visible biological parents? What you say you will do to God if he was human do it to your parents. He will respect such deeds as good as if you have done them to Him directly.
Many Christians struggle to love their heathen parents but on the contrary God never said respect your good parents only. He said respect your parents and that’s it. He knew some will have a ‘holier than thou’ attitude and want to discard their parents. In the new found Kingdom (Christian) life, don’t forget it’s your parent who changed your nappies not your pastor; it’s your parent who paid your school fees not church offerings. You stayed in your parents’ home not parsonage. You ate your parents’ food not Holy Communion. For nine months you were in your mother’s womb not in a crusade tent. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. I am a Christian and I am by no means contemplating that you leave your church obligations and look after your parents. No! I am saying balance the two. God asks for a tithe and on the remaining 90% there is what you must set aside for your parents as well. May all readers say, ‘Amen!’
Your parents–in-law are as good as your parents, respect them as well. If your spouse is cursed you are equally cursed. It’s so because you share your lives; you better help him/her to be blessed by his/her parents. Fathers, it’s a show of great respect to your parents-in-law to pay them their full lobola. To mothers, it’s very evil to accuse your mothers-in-law of witchcraft. You can’t do it without hurting your husband. Even if she is a witch for real, be grateful for the mere fact that she did not eat her child, your husband so respect her for that. By God’s standards even enemies (in this case a witch) must be loved; maybe it’s just that she is hard-hearted but she is not a witch, who knows? Also turning on you the accuser, ‘When did you start moving in the gift of discernment with 100% precision?’ If you are that accurate, ‘Why couldn’t you pick it when you were still dating that your spouse is mothered by a witch?’ Witches are there I admit but here I am saying, ‘If God allows his sun to shine to these witches and let’s his rains to fall on their fields who are you to withhold your love from them especially when you are now closely related to them?’ You are not perfect, tolerate other people’s shortcomings.
Mind the way you speak to your parents. That’s one avenue we get to offend our parents most of the times unintentionally. Minimise quarrelling with your parents even on general subjects for example politics or church issues. You can wisely preach Christ to them without arguing with them. Too few people have ever repented because of an argument they had on issues of Christ and the Holy Ghost. The easiest way to preach to your parents is firstly to get their attention by doing them the best. First show them love and you will easily get heard when you start preaching about Christ to them. Your sermon is most powerful if backed with unquestionable love.
I am not a disillusioned writer by writing this article. I really know that some parents have been very nasty to their children. Some fathers denied their children parenthood, some got to the extent of sexually abusing their children. Some mothers cast evil spells on their children just because they refused to join them in witchcraft. Some mothers sweared that their daughters will never get married for no justifiable reasons. I am aware of all this but I insist that as unreasonable as they were/are; love and respect them. For the mere fact that you were in her womb for 9 months respect her as a mother. For the mere fact that he contributed his seed at fertilisation of your mother’s womb love and respect him as your father. It’s not your duty to punish him/her. God is the judge. Just do your part of honouring your parents as a child. Lest you all be equally to blame for falling short of meeting God’s commands.
One way you can also honour your parents is to prosper in your life. If your parents sent you to school and you excel that brings satisfaction to them with you enjoying the fruits more than them but they will be very proud of you. If you live right with your spouse you have added health to your parents because your divorce or separation makes their blood pressure shoot up. If you get arrested the dishonour of being called the parents of a criminal is too heart wrecking for their ailing health. Spare them from such cruelty. A parent of a drunkard has no joy because he/she will be seeing his/her child ruining himself. A parent of an unrepentant (non God fearing) child is concerned because his/her child is hell-bound. It’s not primitive or short sightedness for your parents to point you to Christ in prayers or words. Please help them by taking heed to what God instructs you to do (repenting and believing) and you won’t go wrong.
One of the core competencies of your parents which you cannot easily realise is their ability to counsel. They went through most of the things you are to go through in life and they are very capable and qualified to give you counsel. They might not be academically learned as you are but in life issues they are professors. Take heed of what you parents advises or advised you. For Solomon to ask for wisdom from God, his father David had taught him, ‘Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; in all your getting get understanding.’ (Proverbs 4 v7). Take heed of what this Solomon gets to write, ‘My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart always; tie them about your neck. When you walk they will lead you….’ (Proverbs 6v20-22).Your parents might not be the most perfect beings on earth but they are God given. Since they are God appointed so let’s honour them in every way possible. Remember this spiritual key - In whatever you do to your parents you are sowing seeds you will harvest in what your children will do to you in turn.
My Quotable Quote: You are a product of your parents’ sacrifices so respect them always.
Vision Growth International is a motivational company which is committed to the transformation of humanity through expression of simple yet profound divine wisdom to whosoever requires it. The wisdom presented is Bible based and it is currently circulated for free to people who aspire to be significant people in this world. All issues that affect the fulfilment of vision of each human being are addressed. The founder of Vision Growth International has been specifically called by God ‘to mentor others in these changing times.’ To receive the articles directly write to visiongrowthinternational@gmail.com or cgkanyenze@gmail.com with subject ‘Subscribe’ or ‘Unsubscribe’ if you are no longer interested. A blog is also available on www.visiongrowthinternational.blogspot.com
©Vision Growth International (V.G.I) Publications 2010.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
REAL MOTHERS
VISION GROWTH INTERNATIONALArticle: 05 / 2010 (written by C.G Kanyenze)
REAL MOTHERS
‘Every wise woman buildeth her house but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.’ Proverbs 14v1 (KJV)
As much as men feel called to become powerful God ordained ministers of the Word of God, I feel there is an uncelebrated God ordained ministry which is that of being a mother. Great mothers mentored, taught, prayed and sacrificed for their children who became mighty men of God. Here I have in mind Archbishop Guti, Evangelist John Wesley, Bishop Eddie Long, Prophet TB Joshua to mention just a few. Their mothers contributed immensely in ushering them to Christ. Their mothers never went to the nations or stood before thousands as they do but they were/are behind their success stories. In this article I dared to challenge those called by God to this great ministry of motherhood to contribute even more to the well being of humanity.
Qualities of a virtuous woman which makes her a great mother
One of the greatest scripture which you can come across in the Bible highlighting these qualities is Proverbs 31v 10-31.In summary it points out that:
She is rare to come across (v10).She decides to be unique and its injustice to compare her with any other ordinary woman. . She is trustworthy (v11). She does not unload her husband’s pockets when he is drunk. She means every word she speaks. . She does him (the husband) good, and not harm, all the days of her life (v12). Love charms (mupfuhwira) are not good for your husband. You can’t use the devil’s equipment and remain God’s beloved child. The same faith you put in the juju you can put it in the manufacturer of your husband, God who will change your husband and do a better job than the devil. . She is hardworking (she sleeps less and when awake she is not lazy), business minded and does not eat bread of idleness. (v13-19,27). Being a woman with a profession is no excuse to become lazy. I heard of a lady who asks her maid not only to wash her bras but even her other undergarments. . She is generous (v20). She can easily do this if she earns something using her own hands. It’s not generosity to give away where there is no sweat of yours worse without the consent of the one who sweated for the things. . She makes her husband respectable in society (v23). Such a woman is a testimony of the statement -behind every successful man there is a woman. She is not the type of woman who comes to her husband’s workplace to display that they had a serious misunderstanding the previous night. . Strength and honour are her clothing (v25). She does honourable things and she does not fake sickness to avoid serving in-laws or even creating financial crises to block all avenues her spouse wants to use to help his relatives. . She openeth her mouth with wisdom v26. What a rare virtue to find in a 21st century lady. . She fears the Lord (v30). This is the most important characteristic in a living person. A person who fears God has a very sensitive conscience; to lie is an abomination to such a person. Fearing God and just going to church can be two worlds apart. A God fearer is God conscious in everywhere, every time and in every word spoken. A God fearer is not perfect but is the best person you can ever come across on earth. This lady does not depend on her physical beauty but she depends on God because physical beauty fades and is deceitful. When married beauty won’t count much if character is lagging no wonder why some models are divorced and some out of shape ladies are enjoying their marriages all the way through. Beauty is for boys but men are really after character.’ Issues mothers need to keep in mind in their God –given ministry :
o Is she still different from her sister-in-law to her husband? In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 the critical issue of conjugal rights is illustrated this way, ‘Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.’ As a married couple, conjugal rights should not be used to reward or punish because this directly invites ‘small houses’. Only prostitutes use their reproductive organs to get something from men; without getting whatever they want there is no bed relationship. Being moody and faking sicknesses amounts to denying your husband conjugal rights. I believe partially why the Bible says, ‘Be angry but do not allow the sun to go down angry,’ it’s because that anger to married people should not interfere with the bedroom relationship. The Bible allows spouses to be angry with each other but by end of day the issues should be resolved and there won’t be infringement of this right. o Did she tell her children their real fathers? Though seeming to be so obvious in everyday life, many situations have resulted in some people not knowing their fathers and some being told the wrong ones. This is wholly the responsibility of mothers. It is a child’s right and privilege to know his/her biological father. For single mothers who were never married remember no reasonable child will ever think you were another Mary, a virgin who had a child. It’s of no use and its evil for you to direct your anger on what your bed mate did to you, on the wrong person who is your child. Please tell him/her his/her surname. A reasonable child will not desert you he/she will appreciate all your sacrifices. If you don’t tell your child someone will guess it for them and all your ex-boyfriends’ names come into play and what a disgrace it is for such a mother. If you love your child tell him/her his/her biological father. Where do you find the boldness to approach God, Almighty, All knowing, when you know that ‘wakatizira’ the wrong man and you spend a lifetime not divulging this to him. You go to church and expect to be in that number when the saints go marching in? Forget! Christianity demands confessing our sins to God and those who we wronged. As difficult as it is sounding it pleases God. If to you it seems to be an impossibility seek counsel from very confidential, mature and wise counsellors on how to open the can of worms. Let’s be responsible for our actions. May all the ladies say, ‘Amen!’
o Whose ideologies is she using in her home? Ladies are by nature opinion seekers so they need to be careful whose opinions they value and implement. Mind your friends can destroy your family. Bad company corrupts good morals. You can become moody and nasty not of your own making but by who you associate with. Eve talked to the devil and she became very evil. Not every theory you hear applies to your home. The Bible says, ‘The simple believeth every word, but the prudent looks where he is going.’ Proverbs 14v15.Have your own opinion that’s why God gave you your own brains and you are responsible for your own decisions not your friends. The Shona say, ‘Zano pangwa une rakowo.’ o Is her value addition still unquestionable? What makes a lady worthy in a men’s life is the extent she helps him with his burdens and vice versa. The Bible gets to say, ‘Bear one another’s burdens…’ Galatians 6 v2 But it calls for a balance by going on to say, ‘For each man will have to bear his own load.’ Galatians 6v5. It’s not calling for parasites but each must carry his/her part and to be helped when it’s necessary. o Is she driven by anger or anger is her servant? Anger is a reality of life. Contrary to exalting short temper, the Bible says, ‘He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.’ (Proverbs 14v17). Remember the first murder recorded in the Bible was done mainly because the culprit did not control his anger (Genesis 4).The Bible is very practical it says, ‘Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4 v 26, 27). The Bible says, ‘….be slow to anger for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.’ (James 1 v19,20). In anger ladies please ask God not to burst because unfortunately words cannot be withdrawn like the English attempt to assume. The more emotional/reactional you are the less rational you become. Always give yourself time to think, that’s a hallmark of wisdom. o Is she rightfully mentoring her children especially her girls? The mother as the chief operating officer in the family she has a great responsibility of teaching the children good habits like making the bed, eating quietly, and dressing smart for any occasion. She must teach them doing family chores like washing dishes, sweeping bedrooms, brushing teeth etc. Some of the 21st century ladies inadequacies and shortcomings are mentoring-deficiency outcomes. Some girls were never taught the purpose of dressing no wonder they walk around town with bare chests and thighs. The dressing indoctrination was ignored by some mothers. Some ladies get to be married not knowing the basic expectations of husbands no wonder some of their marriages do not last. Some ‘so loving mothers’ mentor their maids better than their girls. For your girl child to have a degree does not mean you can’t tell her some tips on social values. Girls are most of the times lazy to the extent their mothers allowed them to become. o Is she becoming more of a lady or more of a man with time? To be a lady is a virtue but it’s a persistent temptation wanting to act like a man. Ladies are expected to be soft-spoken, gentle, kind-hearted and merciful. When these virtues are lost the lady has lost her feminity. I have nothing against professional women but I have seen most of them making the same submission mistake – husbands are not more concerned about your pay-check than your submission. In you she is not looking for a business partner but a wife no wonder some degreed men go for even the least educated ladies and you wonder what she saw in that lady leaving you (a professional woman).
o Does she choose to forgive her spouse and children? In life mothers will inevitably be offended but they have to choose to forgive or to die with bitterness. One person who was privileged to see a portion of hell was shown a great multitude of women who were burning due to the sin of unforgiveness. May you not be one of them. Talking is not as simplistic as most people think. For communication to be superb great thought needs to be engaged. The source of meaningful wisdom is God of course. ‘… but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.’ (Proverbs 16v1). Ladies your tongue can destroy or build your family. Unwise utterances have ruined some of the greatest marriages. A virtuous woman in wisdom does not call her husband names like chidhakwa (drunkard). A wise mother builds self-confidence in her kids by never calling them stupid, dull and foolish. A bad mouthed lady irks and is very unpleasant to associate with. As uncertain as her mouth is, it’s uncertain if she will remain married. Solomon the wise king who had associated with several women wrote, ‘It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful woman.’ (Proverbs 21v19). He further writes, ‘It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman.’ (Proverbs21v9). This shows certain attitudes and characteristics of a lady can chase away a husband from her life.
Never bad mouth your spouse to your children, since that will only create hatred between your child and his/her father. Some husbands have spent more than a year without hearing something sweet from the lips of their spouses. What an omission. Some are known to talk right only when they are after something from their spouses. A mother’s way of talking has great impact on the children’s way of talking no wonder it’s called your mother tongue (not father’s tongue).
In conclusion I would like to appreciate the contributions mothers have made to the well being of the African societies. Whatever I have written, I am by no means disrespecting, looking down, downgrading, or ignoring the contributions of mothers to society. I am very grateful to God for giving us loving, caring, tenacious and wise mothers. Apart from financial contribution, I believe mothers have contributed more than men in the family institute. For real our African mothers have endured, suffered, struggled, wept, got abused a lot but they have chosen to soldier on. Mothers have forgiven some humanly speaking unpardonable acts. Some irresponsible men deserted their families but the mothers remained committed to look after their children. Some children who were changed nappies grow up to talk junk in the face of their mothers but mothers have remained silent as if they forgot that they sacrificed their peace, finances and time to help their kids. Some of these children were HIV-AIDS infected after spending their energy and funds without helping their mothers in anyway only to come to get the home-based care of their mothers. Mothers I salute you.
My Quotable Quote: No one on earth can show love as much as a mother does.
To receive the articles directly write to visiongrowthinternational@gmail.com or cgkanyenze@gmail.com with subject ‘Subscribe’ ; or ‘Unsubscribe’ if you are no longer interested. A blog is also available on www.visiongrowthinternational.blogspot.com
©Vision Growth International (V.G.I) Publications 2010.
REAL MOTHERS
‘Every wise woman buildeth her house but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.’ Proverbs 14v1 (KJV)
As much as men feel called to become powerful God ordained ministers of the Word of God, I feel there is an uncelebrated God ordained ministry which is that of being a mother. Great mothers mentored, taught, prayed and sacrificed for their children who became mighty men of God. Here I have in mind Archbishop Guti, Evangelist John Wesley, Bishop Eddie Long, Prophet TB Joshua to mention just a few. Their mothers contributed immensely in ushering them to Christ. Their mothers never went to the nations or stood before thousands as they do but they were/are behind their success stories. In this article I dared to challenge those called by God to this great ministry of motherhood to contribute even more to the well being of humanity.
Qualities of a virtuous woman which makes her a great mother
One of the greatest scripture which you can come across in the Bible highlighting these qualities is Proverbs 31v 10-31.In summary it points out that:
She is rare to come across (v10).She decides to be unique and its injustice to compare her with any other ordinary woman. . She is trustworthy (v11). She does not unload her husband’s pockets when he is drunk. She means every word she speaks. . She does him (the husband) good, and not harm, all the days of her life (v12). Love charms (mupfuhwira) are not good for your husband. You can’t use the devil’s equipment and remain God’s beloved child. The same faith you put in the juju you can put it in the manufacturer of your husband, God who will change your husband and do a better job than the devil. . She is hardworking (she sleeps less and when awake she is not lazy), business minded and does not eat bread of idleness. (v13-19,27). Being a woman with a profession is no excuse to become lazy. I heard of a lady who asks her maid not only to wash her bras but even her other undergarments. . She is generous (v20). She can easily do this if she earns something using her own hands. It’s not generosity to give away where there is no sweat of yours worse without the consent of the one who sweated for the things. . She makes her husband respectable in society (v23). Such a woman is a testimony of the statement -behind every successful man there is a woman. She is not the type of woman who comes to her husband’s workplace to display that they had a serious misunderstanding the previous night. . Strength and honour are her clothing (v25). She does honourable things and she does not fake sickness to avoid serving in-laws or even creating financial crises to block all avenues her spouse wants to use to help his relatives. . She openeth her mouth with wisdom v26. What a rare virtue to find in a 21st century lady. . She fears the Lord (v30). This is the most important characteristic in a living person. A person who fears God has a very sensitive conscience; to lie is an abomination to such a person. Fearing God and just going to church can be two worlds apart. A God fearer is God conscious in everywhere, every time and in every word spoken. A God fearer is not perfect but is the best person you can ever come across on earth. This lady does not depend on her physical beauty but she depends on God because physical beauty fades and is deceitful. When married beauty won’t count much if character is lagging no wonder why some models are divorced and some out of shape ladies are enjoying their marriages all the way through. Beauty is for boys but men are really after character.’ Issues mothers need to keep in mind in their God –given ministry :
o Is she still different from her sister-in-law to her husband? In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 the critical issue of conjugal rights is illustrated this way, ‘Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.’ As a married couple, conjugal rights should not be used to reward or punish because this directly invites ‘small houses’. Only prostitutes use their reproductive organs to get something from men; without getting whatever they want there is no bed relationship. Being moody and faking sicknesses amounts to denying your husband conjugal rights. I believe partially why the Bible says, ‘Be angry but do not allow the sun to go down angry,’ it’s because that anger to married people should not interfere with the bedroom relationship. The Bible allows spouses to be angry with each other but by end of day the issues should be resolved and there won’t be infringement of this right. o Did she tell her children their real fathers? Though seeming to be so obvious in everyday life, many situations have resulted in some people not knowing their fathers and some being told the wrong ones. This is wholly the responsibility of mothers. It is a child’s right and privilege to know his/her biological father. For single mothers who were never married remember no reasonable child will ever think you were another Mary, a virgin who had a child. It’s of no use and its evil for you to direct your anger on what your bed mate did to you, on the wrong person who is your child. Please tell him/her his/her surname. A reasonable child will not desert you he/she will appreciate all your sacrifices. If you don’t tell your child someone will guess it for them and all your ex-boyfriends’ names come into play and what a disgrace it is for such a mother. If you love your child tell him/her his/her biological father. Where do you find the boldness to approach God, Almighty, All knowing, when you know that ‘wakatizira’ the wrong man and you spend a lifetime not divulging this to him. You go to church and expect to be in that number when the saints go marching in? Forget! Christianity demands confessing our sins to God and those who we wronged. As difficult as it is sounding it pleases God. If to you it seems to be an impossibility seek counsel from very confidential, mature and wise counsellors on how to open the can of worms. Let’s be responsible for our actions. May all the ladies say, ‘Amen!’
o Whose ideologies is she using in her home? Ladies are by nature opinion seekers so they need to be careful whose opinions they value and implement. Mind your friends can destroy your family. Bad company corrupts good morals. You can become moody and nasty not of your own making but by who you associate with. Eve talked to the devil and she became very evil. Not every theory you hear applies to your home. The Bible says, ‘The simple believeth every word, but the prudent looks where he is going.’ Proverbs 14v15.Have your own opinion that’s why God gave you your own brains and you are responsible for your own decisions not your friends. The Shona say, ‘Zano pangwa une rakowo.’ o Is her value addition still unquestionable? What makes a lady worthy in a men’s life is the extent she helps him with his burdens and vice versa. The Bible gets to say, ‘Bear one another’s burdens…’ Galatians 6 v2 But it calls for a balance by going on to say, ‘For each man will have to bear his own load.’ Galatians 6v5. It’s not calling for parasites but each must carry his/her part and to be helped when it’s necessary. o Is she driven by anger or anger is her servant? Anger is a reality of life. Contrary to exalting short temper, the Bible says, ‘He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.’ (Proverbs 14v17). Remember the first murder recorded in the Bible was done mainly because the culprit did not control his anger (Genesis 4).The Bible is very practical it says, ‘Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4 v 26, 27). The Bible says, ‘….be slow to anger for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.’ (James 1 v19,20). In anger ladies please ask God not to burst because unfortunately words cannot be withdrawn like the English attempt to assume. The more emotional/reactional you are the less rational you become. Always give yourself time to think, that’s a hallmark of wisdom. o Is she rightfully mentoring her children especially her girls? The mother as the chief operating officer in the family she has a great responsibility of teaching the children good habits like making the bed, eating quietly, and dressing smart for any occasion. She must teach them doing family chores like washing dishes, sweeping bedrooms, brushing teeth etc. Some of the 21st century ladies inadequacies and shortcomings are mentoring-deficiency outcomes. Some girls were never taught the purpose of dressing no wonder they walk around town with bare chests and thighs. The dressing indoctrination was ignored by some mothers. Some ladies get to be married not knowing the basic expectations of husbands no wonder some of their marriages do not last. Some ‘so loving mothers’ mentor their maids better than their girls. For your girl child to have a degree does not mean you can’t tell her some tips on social values. Girls are most of the times lazy to the extent their mothers allowed them to become. o Is she becoming more of a lady or more of a man with time? To be a lady is a virtue but it’s a persistent temptation wanting to act like a man. Ladies are expected to be soft-spoken, gentle, kind-hearted and merciful. When these virtues are lost the lady has lost her feminity. I have nothing against professional women but I have seen most of them making the same submission mistake – husbands are not more concerned about your pay-check than your submission. In you she is not looking for a business partner but a wife no wonder some degreed men go for even the least educated ladies and you wonder what she saw in that lady leaving you (a professional woman).
o Does she choose to forgive her spouse and children? In life mothers will inevitably be offended but they have to choose to forgive or to die with bitterness. One person who was privileged to see a portion of hell was shown a great multitude of women who were burning due to the sin of unforgiveness. May you not be one of them. Talking is not as simplistic as most people think. For communication to be superb great thought needs to be engaged. The source of meaningful wisdom is God of course. ‘… but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.’ (Proverbs 16v1). Ladies your tongue can destroy or build your family. Unwise utterances have ruined some of the greatest marriages. A virtuous woman in wisdom does not call her husband names like chidhakwa (drunkard). A wise mother builds self-confidence in her kids by never calling them stupid, dull and foolish. A bad mouthed lady irks and is very unpleasant to associate with. As uncertain as her mouth is, it’s uncertain if she will remain married. Solomon the wise king who had associated with several women wrote, ‘It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful woman.’ (Proverbs 21v19). He further writes, ‘It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman.’ (Proverbs21v9). This shows certain attitudes and characteristics of a lady can chase away a husband from her life.
Never bad mouth your spouse to your children, since that will only create hatred between your child and his/her father. Some husbands have spent more than a year without hearing something sweet from the lips of their spouses. What an omission. Some are known to talk right only when they are after something from their spouses. A mother’s way of talking has great impact on the children’s way of talking no wonder it’s called your mother tongue (not father’s tongue).
In conclusion I would like to appreciate the contributions mothers have made to the well being of the African societies. Whatever I have written, I am by no means disrespecting, looking down, downgrading, or ignoring the contributions of mothers to society. I am very grateful to God for giving us loving, caring, tenacious and wise mothers. Apart from financial contribution, I believe mothers have contributed more than men in the family institute. For real our African mothers have endured, suffered, struggled, wept, got abused a lot but they have chosen to soldier on. Mothers have forgiven some humanly speaking unpardonable acts. Some irresponsible men deserted their families but the mothers remained committed to look after their children. Some children who were changed nappies grow up to talk junk in the face of their mothers but mothers have remained silent as if they forgot that they sacrificed their peace, finances and time to help their kids. Some of these children were HIV-AIDS infected after spending their energy and funds without helping their mothers in anyway only to come to get the home-based care of their mothers. Mothers I salute you.
My Quotable Quote: No one on earth can show love as much as a mother does.
To receive the articles directly write to visiongrowthinternational@gmail.com or cgkanyenze@gmail.com with subject ‘Subscribe’ ; or ‘Unsubscribe’ if you are no longer interested. A blog is also available on www.visiongrowthinternational.blogspot.com
©Vision Growth International (V.G.I) Publications 2010.
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