“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” 1 Corinthians 10.23
We live in a society that is built upon the same freedom of action as expressed by these words of the Apostle Paul to the Church in Corinth 2000 years ago. Ancient Corinth was a city, not unlike most American cities today, with a great deal of wealth, education, and multiculturalism, but it also was a city where competing philosophies of life were common. There was no, and there remains no, inherent sin in being wealthy or appreciating education and culture, but also just like most American cities, the competing philosophies of life in ancient Corinth challenged the very foundation of Christian living by suggesting worldly logic was superior to divine Christian logic. This is the essence of Saint Paul’s letters to the Church in Corinth.
Just as our ancestors in ancient Corinth were faced with the choice of worldly logic vs. divine Christian logic, we are faced daily with decisions that challenge the very fabric of our Christian walk. 21st Century American Christianity has embraced a secular understanding of life rather than a holistic Christian manner of living which prevailed in the ancient Church. Is there any question that the world’s logic is challenging our Christian worldview? Abortion and sexual morality are but two highly visible and spiritually challenging topics our society faces today. There are others, such as the Big Bang Theory and the Evolution of Species, that are taught in classrooms throughout America that not only conflict with our divine understanding given to us by God, but go so far as to ridicule the Church for rejecting their theories.
I believe the worst lie the world has convinced the Church to believe is that all things spiritual should be reserved for Sunday and further that we should refrain, as much as is in our power, to limit the remainder of our time during the week to activities and topics that will better prepare our children to be successful in the American workplace and to pursue without reservation the so-called American dream.
I ask you, if the American workplace and the society in general are boldly challenging the way of life commanded and expected of us by God, can we as parents continue to sit idly by and watch our children being brainwashed with morals that are in direct conflict with what Jesus Christ and His Church teach? We must take back the reigns of our children’s upbringing and instill, sometimes retraining them, to live by the principals that, as Saint Paul said, will edify and lead them to an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.
That process begins daily in our home as our children learn to set priorities in their life. I urge you therefore to consider making the Church – the Greek Orthodox way of life – a stronger priority in your family. Take a moment and reflect upon the words above by Saint Paul and ask yourselves, “Can we do more as a family to be closer to Jesus Christ and His Church?” Then take a look at the Church calendar, which is available online, and take advantage of the various ministries and teaching opportunities for your children and yourselves.
A few suggestions that will help…
X Attending Divine Liturgy EVERY Sunday – and ON TIME (10:00am)
X Be prepared to receive Holy Communion EVERY SUNDAY
X Fast as a family every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year – at least from meat
X Read daily from the Bible – even 5 minutes a day makes a difference
X Establish a prayer corner with icons and a vigil light in a central area of your home – and use it
X Say your prayers daily when you wake up and before you go to sleep –teach your children to do the same.
X Pray before and after each meal – even in a public restaurant we can do our cross and thank God
X Pick one extra activity each week and attend a church service or bible study to help you grow in faith
X Participate fully in the Sacramental life – including regular Confession and blessings
X Tithe – offer the Church 10% or your income as thanks to God for your blessings
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