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CHAPTER FOURTEEN How to Make Your Family Life Happy What is needed to be a good husband? How can a woman succeed as a wife? What is involved in being a fine parent? How can children help to make family life happy? What is the key to a happy family life? JEHOVAH GOD wants your family life to be happy. His Word, the Bible, provides guidelines for each family member, describing the role that God wants each one to play. When family members fulfill their roles in harmony with God’s counsel, the results are very satisfying. Jesus said: “Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!” Family happiness depends on our recognizing what? 2 Family happiness depends mainly on our recognizing that the family originates with Jehovah, the one Jesus called “Our Father.” (Matthew 6:9) Every family on earth exists because of our heavenly Father DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE FAMILY How does the Bible describe the start of the human family, and why do we know that what it says is true? 3 Jehovah created the first humans, Adam and Eve, and brought them together as husband and wife. He put them in a beautiful earthly paradise home (a) How can each member of the family contribute to its happiness? (b) Why is studying the life of Jesus so important to family happiness? 4 Each member of the family can help to make family life happy by imitating God in showing love. (Ephesians 5:1, 2) How, though, can we imitate God, since we cannot even see him? We can learn how Jehovah acts because he sent his firstborn Son from heaven to the earth. (John 1:14, 18) When on earth, this Son, Jesus Christ, imitated his heavenly Father so well that seeing and listening to Jesus was just like being with Jehovah and hearing Him. (John 14:9) Therefore, by learning about the love that Jesus showed and following his example, each one of us can help to make family life happier. A MODEL FOR HUSBANDS (a) How does the way Jesus treats the congregation set an example for husbands? (b) What must be done to get forgiveness of sins? 5 The Bible says that husbands should treat their wives in the same way that Jesus treats his disciples. Consider this Bible direction: “Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it . In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ also does the congregation.” 6 Jesus’ love for his congregation of disciples sets a perfect example for husbands. Jesus “loved them to the end,” sacrificing his life for them, even though they were far from perfect. (John 13:1; 15:13) Similarly, husbands are urged: “Keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them.” (Colossians 3:19) What will help a husband to apply such counsel, especially if his wife at times fails to act with discretion? He should remember his own mistakes and what he must do to receive God’s forgiveness. What is that? He must forgive those who sin against him, and that includes his wife. Of course, she should do the same. (Matthew 6:12, 14, 15) Do you see why some have said that a successful marriage is the union of two good forgivers? What did Jesus take into account, setting what example for husbands? 7 Husbands also do well to note that Jesus always showed consideration for his disciples. He took into account their limitations and physical needs. When they were tired, for example, he said: “Come, you yourselves, privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit.” (Mark 6:30-32) Wives too deserve thoughtful consideration. The Bible describes them as “a weaker vessel” to whom husbands are commanded to assign “honor.” Why? Because both husbands and wives share equally in “the undeserved favor of life.” (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands should remember that it is faithfulness, not whether a person is male or female, that makes one precious to God. (a) How is it that a husband “who loves his wife loves himself”? (b) Being “one flesh” means what for a husband and his wife? 8 The Bible says that a husband “who loves his wife loves himself.” This is because a man and his wife “are no longer two, but one flesh,” as Jesus pointed out. (Matthew 19:6) So they must limit their sexual interests to each other. (Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4) They can do this if they show unselfish concern for each other’s needs. (1 Corinthians 7:3-5) Noteworthy is the reminder: “No man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it.” Husbands need to love their wives as they do themselves, remembering that they are accountable to their own head, Jesus Christ. What quality of Jesus is mentioned at Philippians 1:8, and why should husbands display this quality toward their wives? 9 The apostle Paul spoke of the ‘tender affection that Christ Jesus has.’ (Philippians 1:8) Jesus’ tenderness was a refreshing quality, one that was appealing to women who became his disciples. (John 20:1, 11-13, 16) And wives yearn for tender affection from their husbands. AN EXAMPLE FOR WIVES How does Jesus provide an example for wives? 10 A family is an organization, and to operate smoothly, it needs a head. Even Jesus has One he submits to as his Head. “The head of the Christ is God,” just as “the head of a woman is the man.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) Jesus’ submission to God’s headship is a fine example, since all of us have a head to whom we must submit. What attitude is a wife to have toward her husband, and what may be the effect of her conduct? 11 Imperfect men make mistakes and often fall far short of being ideal family heads. So, what should a wife do? She should not belittle what her husband does or try to take over his headship. A wife does well to remember that in God’s view, a quiet and mild spirit is of great value. (1 Peter 3:4) By displaying such a spirit, she will find it easier to demonstrate godly subjection, even under trying circumstances. Furthermore, the Bible says: “The wife should have deep respect for her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33) But what if he does not accept Christ as his Head? The Bible urges wives: “Be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.” Why is it not wrong for a wife to express her opinions respectfully? 12 Whether her husband is a fellow believer or not, a wife is not showing disrespect if she tactfully expresses an opinion that differs from his. Her viewpoint may be correct, and the whole family could benefit if he listened to her. Although Abraham did not agree when his wife, Sarah, recommended a practical solution to a certain household problem, God told him: “Listen to her voice.” (Genesis 21:9-12) Of course, when a husband makes a final decision that does not conflict with God’s law, his wife shows her subjection by supporting it. (a) What does Titus 2:4, 5 urge married women to do? (b) What does the Bible say about separation and divorce? 13 In fulfilling her role, a wife can do much in caring for the family. For example, the Bible shows that married women are “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands.” (Titus 2:4, 5) A wife and mother who acts in this way will gain the lasting love and respect of her family. (Proverbs 31:10, 28) Since marriage is a union of imperfect individuals, however, some extreme circumstances may result in separation or divorce. The Bible allows for separation under certain circumstances. Yet, separation must not be taken lightly, for the Bible counsels: “A wife should not depart from her husband; . and a husband should not leave his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10, 11) And only fornication by one of the marriage mates provides Scriptural grounds for divorce. A PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR PARENTS How did Jesus treat children, and what do children need from parents? 14 Jesus set a perfect example for parents in the way he treated children. When others tried to prevent the little ones from approaching Jesus, he said: “Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them.” The Bible says that he then “took the children into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them.” (Mark 10:13-16) Since Jesus took time for little ones, should you not do the same for your own sons and daughters? They need, not small bits of your time, but large amounts of it. You need to take time to teach them, for that is what Jehovah instructs parents to do. What can parents do to protect their children? 15 As this world becomes ever more wicked, children need parents who will protect them from people who seek to harm them, such as sexual predators. Consider how Jesus protected his disciples, whom he affectionately called “little children.” When he was arrested and would soon be killed, Jesus made a way for them to escape. (John 13:33; 18:7-9) As a parent, you need to be alert to the Devil’s attempts to harm your little ones. You need to give them advance warning. * (1 Peter 5:8) Never before has the threat to their physical, spiritual, and moral safety been greater. What can parents learn from the way that Jesus handled his disciples’ imperfections? 16 On the night before Jesus died, his disciples argued about who was greater among them. Rather than become angry with them, Jesus lovingly continued to appeal to them by word and example. (Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-8) If you are a parent, can you see how you might follow Jesus’ example in the way you correct your children? True, they need discipline, but it should be given to “the proper degree” and never in anger. You would not want to speak thoughtlessly “as with the stabs of a sword.” (Jeremiah 30:11; Proverbs 12:18) Discipline should be delivered in such a way that your child will later see how appropriate it was. A MODEL FOR CHILDREN In what ways did Jesus set a perfect example for children? 17 Can children learn from Jesus? Yes, they can! By his own example, Jesus showed how children should obey their parents. “Just as the Father taught me,” he said, “I speak.” He added: “I always do the things pleasing to him.” (John 8:28, 29) Jesus was obedient to his heavenly Father, and the Bible tells children to obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) Although Jesus was a perfect child, he obeyed his human parents, Joseph and Mary, who were imperfect. That surely contributed to the happiness of every member of Jesus’ family! Why did Jesus always obey his heavenly Father, and who is happy when children obey their parents today? 18 Can children see ways that they can be more like Jesus and make their parents happy? True, young ones may sometimes find it hard to obey their parents, but that is what God wants children to do. (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20) Jesus always obeyed his heavenly Father, even under difficult circumstances. Once, when it was God’s will that Jesus do something especially hard, Jesus said: “Remove this cup [a certain requirement] from me.” Nevertheless, Jesus did what God asked, because he realized that his Father knew best. (Luke 22:42) By learning to be obedient, children will make their parents and their heavenly Father very happy. (a) How does Satan tempt children? (b) What effect can the bad behavior of children have upon parents? 19 The Devil tempted Jesus, and we can be sure that he will also tempt young ones to do what is wrong. (Matthew 4:1-10) Satan the Devil uses peer pressure, which can be hard to resist. How vital it is, then, that children not keep company with wrongdoers! (1 Corinthians 15:33) Jacob’s daughter Dinah kept company with those who did not worship Jehovah, and this led to a lot of trouble. (Genesis 34:1, 2) Think of how the family could be hurt if one of its members were to become involved in sexual immorality! THE KEY TO FAMILY HAPPINESS To enjoy happy family life, what must each family member do? 20 Family problems are easier to cope with when Bible counsel is applied. In fact, applying such counsel is the key to family happiness. So husbands, love your wife, and treat her as Jesus treats his congregation. Wives, submit to the headship of your husband, and follow the example of the capable wife described at Proverbs 31:10-31. Parents, train your children. (Proverbs 22:6) Fathers, ‘preside over your household in a fine manner.’ (1 Timothy 3:4, 5; 5:8) And children, obey your parents. (Colossians 3:20) None in the family are perfect, for all make mistakes. So be humble, asking one another for forgiveness. What wonderful prospects lie ahead, and how can we enjoy happy family life now? 21 Truly, the Bible contains a wealth of valuable counsel and instruction regarding family life. Moreover, it teaches us about God’s new world and an earthly paradise filled with happy people who worship Jehovah. (Revelation 21:3, 4) What wonderful prospects lie ahead! Even now, we can enjoy happy family life by applying God’s instructions found in his Word, the Bible. ^ par. 15 Help in protecting children is found in chapter 32 of the book Learn From the Great Teacher, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
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ČETRNAESTO POGLAVLJE Kako možeš imati sretan obiteljski život Što znači biti dobar suprug? Kako žena može biti dobra supruga? Što znači biti dobar roditelj? Kako djeca mogu obiteljski život učiniti sretnim? Što je ključ sretnog obiteljskog života? JEHOVA BOG želi da tvoj obiteljski život bude sretan. Njegova Riječ, Biblija, pruža smjernice za sve članove obitelji, govoreći što Bog traži od svakog od njih. Kad članovi obitelji ispunjavaju svoje uloge uvažavajući Božje savjete, ishod je divan. Isus je rekao: “Sretni su oni koji slušaju riječ Božju i drže je!” (Luka 11:28). O čemu ovisi hoće li obitelj biti sretna? 2 Obiteljska sreća ponajviše ovisi o tome da priznamo da je Jehova, kojeg je Isus nazvao ‘našim Ocem’, osnovao obitelj (Matej 6:9). Svaka obitelj na Zemlji postoji zahvaljujući našem nebeskom Ocu — a on sigurno zna što je potrebno da bi obitelj bila sretna (Efežanima 3:14, 15). Što Biblija uči o ulozi svakog člana obitelji? BOG JE OSNOVAO OBITELJ Što Biblija govori o osnutku ljudske obitelji, i kako znamo da je to istina? 3 Jehova je stvorio prvi ljudski par, Adama i Evu, i združio ih kao muža i ženu. Smjestio ih je u divan rajski dom na Zemlji — edenski vrt — i rekao im da rađaju djecu. “Rađajte se i množite, napunite zemlju”, kazao je Jehova (1. To nije puka priča ili mit jer je Isus potvrdio da je istina ono što Prva Mojsijeva kaže o osnutku obiteljskog života (Matej 19:4, 5). Iako se suočavamo s mnogo problema i život danas nije onakav kakvim ga je Bog zamislio, pogledajmo zašto obitelji ipak mogu biti sretne. (a) Kako svaki član obitelji doprinosi njenoj sreći? (b) Zašto je za obiteljsku sreću toliko važno proučavati Isusov život? 4 Svaki član obitelji može doprinijeti njenoj sreći ako oponaša Boga u pokazivanju ljubavi (Efežanima 5:1, 2). No kako možemo oponašati Boga kad ga ne vidimo? O Jehovinim postupcima možemo učiti od njegovog prvorođenog Sina kojeg je s neba poslao na Zemlju (Ivan 1:14, 18). Dok je bio na Zemlji, taj Sin, Isus Krist, oponašao je svog nebeskog Oca tako dobro da je vidjeti i čuti Isusa bilo isto što i biti s Jehovom te ga čuti (Ivan 14:9). Stoga učeći o ljubavi koju je Isus pokazao i oponašajući njegov primjer, svatko od nas može obiteljski život učiniti sretnijim. UZOR ZA MUŽEVE (a) Kako je način na koji se Isus ophodi sa skupštinom primjer za muževe? (b) Što je potrebno činiti da bi se dobilo oproštenje grijeha? 5 Biblija kaže da muževi sa ženama trebaju postupati isto kao Isus sa svojim učenicima. Obrati pažnju na ovu biblijsku uputu: “Muževi, ljubite svoje žene, kao što je i Krist ljubio skupštinu i sebe predao za nju (...). Tako i muževi trebaju ljubiti svoje žene kao svoja tijela. Tko ljubi svoju ženu, samoga sebe ljubi. Jer nitko ne mrzi svoje tijelo, nego ga hrani i njeguje, kao i Krist skupštinu” (Efežanima 5:23, 25-29). 6 Isusova ljubav prema skupštini, odnosno njegovim učenicima, savršeni je primjer za muževe. Isus im je “ljubav iskazao do kraja”, žrtvujući svoj život za njih iako su bili nesavršeni (Ivan 13:1; 15:13). Slično tome, muževe se potiče: “Ljubite svoje žene i nemojte se gnjeviti na njih” (Kološanima 3:19). Što će mužu pomoći da primjenjuje taj savjet, naročito ako njegova žena katkad postupi nepromišljeno? Trebao bi imati na umu da i on griješi te razmisliti što mora činiti da bi mu Bog oprostio. A što to mora činiti? Mora opraštati onima koji su sagriješili njemu, a to znači i svojoj ženi. Naravno, i ona tako treba postupati (Matej 6:12, 14, 15). Shvaćaš li sada zašto neki kažu da je uspješan brak zajednica dvoje ljudi koji rado praštaju? Što Isus nije zanemarivao, i kakav je primjer time dao muževima? 7 Muževi trebaju uzeti u obzir i to da je Isus uvijek bio uviđavan prema svojim učenicima. Nije zanemarivao njihova ograničenja i fizičke potrebe. Naprimjer, kad su bili umorni, rekao je: “Pođite sa mnom na samotno mjesto i malo se odmorite!” (Marko 6:30-32). I žene zaslužuju da se s njima ophodi pažljivo i uviđavno. Biblija ih opisuje kao ‘slabije posude’, a njihovim je muževima zapovjeđeno da ih poštuju. Zašto? Zato što i muževi i žene imaju ‘nezasluženi dar života’ (1. Petrova 3:7). Muževi trebaju upamtiti da to je li neka osoba Bogu dragocjena ovisi o njenoj vjernosti, a ne o tome je li muškarac ili žena (Psalam 101:6). (a) Kako muž koji “ljubi svoju ženu, samoga sebe ljubi”? (b) Što za muža i ženu znači da su “jedno tijelo”? 8 Biblija kaže da muž koji “ljubi svoju ženu, samoga sebe ljubi”. To je zato što muž i žena “nisu više dvoje, nego jedno tijelo”, kao što je naglasio Isus (Matej 19:6). Stoga u njihovom spolnom životu ne smije postojati netko drugi (Mudre izreke 5:15-21; Hebrejima 13:4). Toga će se moći pridržavati ako su nesebični i ako misle na potrebe svog bračnog druga (1. Korinćanima 7:3-5). Pažnje je vrijedan podsjetnik: “Nitko ne mrzi svoje tijelo, nego ga hrani i njeguje.” Muž treba voljeti svoju ženu kao sebe, ne zaboravljajući da je odgovoran Isusu Kristu koji je glava mužu (Efežanima 5:29; 1. Korinćanima 11:3). O kojoj se Isusovoj osobini govori u Filipljanima 1:8, i zašto je muževi trebaju pokazivati svojim ženama? 9 Apostol Pavao je govorio o ‘ljubavi kakvu ima Krist Isus’ (Filipljanima 1:8). Isusova ljubav ohrabrujuće je djelovala na druge i bila je privlačna ženama koje su postale njegovi učenici (Ivan 20:1, 11-13, 16). Žene čeznu za srdačnom ljubavlju svojih muževa. PRIMJER ZA ŽENE Kako je Isus dao primjer ženama? Obitelj je nalik organizaciji. Da bi dobro funkcionirala, netko je mora voditi. Čak se i Isus mora podložiti onome tko je njemu glava. Kristu je glava Bog, a ženi je glava muškarac (1. Korinćanima 11:3). Isusova podložnost Bogu dobar je primjer jer svi mi imamo nekoga kome moramo biti podložni. Kakav stav žena treba imati prema mužu, i kako njeno vladanje može utjecati na njega? Nesavršeni muževi griješe i često nisu idealne glave obitelji. Što to treba značiti za ženu? Ona ne bi smjela omalovažavati ono što njen muž čini niti pokušavati postati glava obitelji umjesto njega. Žena treba upamtiti da je pred Bogom tih i blag duh od velike vrijednosti (1. Petrova 3:4). S takvim duhom lakše će moći, čak i u teškim okolnostima, pokazivati podložnost koju Bog traži. Osim toga, Biblija kaže: “Žena neka duboko poštuje svojega muža” (Efežanima 5:33). No što ako on ne priznaje da je njemu Glava Krist? Biblija potiče žene: “Budite podložne svojim muževima, da biste one koji nisu poslušni riječi Božjoj pridobile bez riječi svojim vladanjem, kad vide vaše čisto vladanje i duboko poštovanje!” (1. Petrova 3:1, 2). Zašto nije neispravno da žena s poštovanjem izrazi svoje mišljenje? Svejedno da li muž dijeli vjerska uvjerenja svoje žene ili ne, ona ne pokazuje nepoštovanje kad taktično iznosi mišljenje koje se razlikuje od njegovog. Njeno mišljenje može biti ispravno, pa cijela obitelj može imati korist ako je muž posluša. Iako se Abraham nije složio kad je njegova žena Sara predložila praktično rješenje jednog obiteljskog problema, Bog mu je rekao: “Poslušaj glas njezin” (1. Naravno, kad muž donese konačnu odluku koja se ne kosi s Božjim zakonom, žena pokazuje podložnost tako da je podrži (Djela apostolska 5:29; Efežanima 5:24). (a) Na što se potiče supruge u Titu 2:4, 5? (b) Što Biblija govori o razdvajanju i razvodu? Žena može na brojne načine ispunjavati svoju ulogu brinući se za obitelj. Naprimjer, Biblija kaže da supruge trebaju ‘ljubiti svoje muževe i svoju djecu, biti razborite, čestite, uzorne kućanice, dobre i podložne svojim muževima’ (Titu 2:4, 5). Ženu i majku koja tako postupa ostali će članovi obitelji voljeti i poštovati (Mudre izreke 31:10, 28). Međutim, budući da je brak zajednica nesavršenih ljudi, neke iznimno teške situacije mogu dovesti do razdvajanja ili razvoda. Biblija dopušta razdvajanje u određenim okolnostima. Pa ipak, ne smije ga se olako shvaćati jer Biblija savjetuje da ‘žena ne odlazi od svog muža i da muž ne ostavlja svoju ženu’ (1. Korinćanima 7:10, 11). Jedini biblijski temelj za razvod je preljub jednog od supružnika (Matej 19:9). SAVRŠEN PRIMJER ZA RODITELJE Kako se Isus ophodio s djecom, i što djeca trebaju od roditelja? Isus je dao savršen primjer roditeljima time kako se ophodio s djecom. Kad su drugi pokušali spriječiti djecu da idu Isusu, on je rekao: “Pustite djecu neka dolaze k meni! Ne branite im!” Biblija kaže da je potom ‘uzeo djecu u naručje i blagoslivljao ih, polažući ruke na njih’ (Marko 10:13-16). Budući da je Isus odvojio vrijeme za djecu, zar i ti ne bi trebao učiniti isto za svoje sinove i kćeri? Djeci nije dovoljno posvetiti tek nešto malo vremena. Ona trebaju puno vremena. Trebaš odvojiti vrijeme da ih poučavaš, jer je to Jehova zapovjedio roditeljima (5. Mojsijeva 6:4-9). Kako roditelji mogu štititi djecu? Što ovaj svijet postaje gori, to djeca sve više trebaju roditelje da ih štite od ljudi koji im žele nauditi, kao što su osobe koje ih žele seksualno iskorištavati. Zapazi kako je Isus zaštitio svoje učenike koje je od milja nazvao “dječice”. Kad je bio uhvaćen prije nego što je ubijen, pomogao im je da se spase (Ivan 13:33; 18:7-9). Kao roditelj, moraš budno pratiti pokušava li Đavo nauditi tvojoj djeci. Moraš ih upozoravati na to * (1. Petrova 5:8). Njihova fizička, duhovna i moralna sigurnost nikada prije nije bila toliko ugrožena. Što roditelji mogu naučiti iz načina na koji je Isus reagirao na mane svojih učenika? U noći prije Isusove smrti njegovi su se učenici prepirali tko je među njima veći. Isus se nije naljutio na njih, nego ih je s ljubavlju poučio riječju i primjerom (Luka 22:24-27; Ivan 13:3-8). Ako si roditelj, znaš li kako možeš oponašati Isusov primjer kad ukoravaš djecu? Točno je da djecu treba ukoriti, no to trebaš činiti samo “koliko treba” i nikada dok si gnjevan. Ne bi smio govoriti nepromišljeno ‘kao da mačem probadaš’ (Jeremija 30:11; Mudre izreke 12:18). Dijete treba ukoriti tako da ono kasnije shvati da je to doista bilo potrebno (Efežanima 6:4; Hebrejima 12:9-11). UZOR ZA DJECU Kako je Isus dao savršen primjer djeci? Mogu li djeca nešto naučiti od Isusa? Svakako da mogu! Isus je svojim primjerom pokazao da djeca trebaju slušati roditelje. “Govorim onako kako me Otac naučio”, rekao je, a zatim je dodao: “Ja uvijek činim ono što je njemu ugodno” (Ivan 8:28, 29). Isus je bio poslušan svom nebeskom Ocu, a Biblija djeci kaže da slušaju roditelje (Efežanima 6:1-3). Iako je Isus bio savršen kao dijete, slušao je svoje roditelje, Josipa i Mariju, koji su bili nesavršeni. To je sasvim sigurno doprinijelo sreći svakog člana Isusove obitelji (Luka 2:4, 5, 51, 52). Zašto je Isus uvijek slušao svog nebeskog Oca, i tko je sretan kad djeca danas slušaju roditelje? Uviđaju li djeca kako još bolje oponašati Isusa i time obradovati svoje roditelje? Istina, djeci je ponekad teško slušati roditelje, no to je ono što Bog traži od njih (Mudre izreke 1:8; 6:20). Isus je uvijek slušao svog nebeskog Oca, pa i u nepovoljnim okolnostima. Jednom kad je Bog želio da Isus učini nešto jako teško, Isus je rekao: “Ukloni ovu čašu [određeni zahtjev] od mene!” Pa ipak, Isus je učinio ono što je Bog tražio jer je bio uvjeren da njegov Otac zna što je najbolje za njega (Luka 22:42). Kad uče biti poslušna, djeca jako raduju svoje roditelje, a i svog nebeskog Oca * (Mudre izreke 23:22-25). (a) Kako Sotona zavodi djecu? (b) Kako loše vladanje djece može utjecati na roditelje? Đavo je iskušavao Isusa, a možemo biti sigurni da će i mlade pokušati navesti da učine nešto neispravno (Matej 4:1-10). Sotona Đavo koristi pritisak vršnjaka kojem se ponekad teško oduprijeti. Kako li je stoga važno da djeca ne budu u društvu onih koji prestupaju Božji zakon! Korinćanima 15:33). Jakovljeva kćerka Dina družila se s onima koji nisu služili Jehovi, što je dovelo do ozbiljnih nevolja (1. Mojsijeva 34:1, 2). Razmisli samo koliko bi obitelj boljelo kad bi se jedan od njenih članova upustio u spolni nemoral! (Mudre izreke 17:21, 25). KLJUČ OBITELJSKE SREĆE Što svaki član obitelji mora činiti da bi obitelj bila sretna? Obiteljske se probleme lakše rješava kad se primjenjuju biblijski savjeti. Ustvari, primjenjivanje tih savjeta ključ je obiteljske sreće. Stoga, muževi, volite svoje žene i ophodite se s njima kao Isus sa skupštinom! Žene, budite podložne svojim muževima jer su oni glave obitelji i oponašajte primjer vrsne žene o kojoj se govori u Mudrim izrekama 31:10-31! Roditelji, odgajajte svoju djecu! (Mudre izreke 22:6). Očevi, ‘dobro upravljajte svojim domom’! A vi, djeco, slušajte roditelje! (Kološanima 3:20). Nitko u obitelji nije savršen jer svi griješe. Zato budite ponizni, molite jedni druge za oprost. Koja divna budućnost leži pred nama, i kako već sada možemo imati sretan obiteljski život? Biblija zaista sadrži mnoštvo korisnih savjeta i uputa o obiteljskom životu. Osim toga, uči nas o Božjem novom svijetu i zemaljskom raju koji će biti ispunjen sretnim ljudima koji će obožavati Jehovu (Otkrivenje 21:3, 4). Pred nama leži uistinu divna budućnost! Već sada možemo imati sretan obiteljski život ako primjenjujemo Božje savjete zapisane u njegovoj Riječi, Bibliji. ^ odl. 15 Korisni savjeti o tome kako zaštititi djecu nalaze se u 32. poglavlju knjige Uči od Velikog Učitelja, koju su objavili Jehovini svjedoci. ^ odl. 18 Dijete može odbiti poslušati roditelja jedino onda kad on traži od njega nešto čime bi se prekršilo Božji zakon (Djela apostolska 5:29).