Genesis 3:16

An Argument Against An Egalitarian View of Gender

I’m near the end of my summer ministry travels.  Last night, the pastor of the church reminded parents who had gathered to see their kids share what they learned in VBS, that they were fully responsible for the spiritual formation of their children.  To that I added a hearty AMEN.  Churches and para- church organizations will not give an account to God for that.  You, as the parent are responsible for that.  Jesus prayed a prayer in John 17 for His ‘children’ and it recounts the things he was responsible to give and share with them.  They are the same for you as a parent.

The pastor challenged the people that night that they should go home and plant something in a pot.  He instructed them to water it only when they had done something with their children to ‘check the box’ in regards to their spiritual formation.  The plant’s growth would be a reminder to them how they were doing with their children’s spiritual life.   What a wonderful exercise to remind us of the job God has given us as parents.  There is 100% chance they will meet God someday and he will not be a bit concerned with their grades, batting averages, championships, jobs, accolades and degrees.  He will, however, ask about the relationship they had with His Son, Jesus.

And so, I was going to discuss the parenting role in our blog article this time and specifically address the idea of discipline commensurate with disobedience.   That was, until I ended up in Genesis 3:16 and the wind blew and changed my direction.

“To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe  with painful labor you will give birth to children.  Your desire will be for your husband,
    and he will rule over you.”