Rules - 3:8-9

8.  Strive to be an upright servant of Jesus Christ, not only outwardly in public services to hear God's Word & the religious observances of the Gospel, but also in your whole life by renouncing all sin & in true obedience to live according to all the commandments of God.  Do not be satisfied when others think of you as being devout - but truly be in reality what you appear to be.  Woe to the man who is not pious yet wants to be considered as such.


9.  Do not think it is enough if you yourself serve God, if you do not see to it that all those in your care do likewise.  The duty of a father is not limited to his serving God alone, but that he also urge the members of his household, his children, servants & maids to do likewise.  For God has commanded this to all fathers of families, "These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart.  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, & shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, & when thou walkest by the way, & when thou liest down, & when though risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).


So did Joshua, the gallant God-fearing hero, who informed all the people of Israel that even if they had no desire to serve the Lord, he & his whole house would nevertheless do so (Joshua 24:15).  Every father must give account for the souls in his household just the same as the government for its subjects or the preacher for his audience (Ezekiel 3:18).  He should therefore be deeply concerned that his wife & children, servants & maids serve the Lord God faithfully, which is the only way their souls may be saved.

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