Praise God Brethren! Last Sunday, the preacher of the day Rev. Capt. Gideon Mwesigwa shared on the Topic “Household Discipleship “ drawing references from Proverbs 22:1-6 and Luke 10:39-42 respectively.
Rev. Capt. Gideon focused his sermon on Proverbs 22:6 “Train up the children in the way they should go and when they are old they won’t depart from it”. In his position as a youth pastor, he informed the congregations that the youth are always learning; no matter what comes along their way, they are learning from what they see, hear and get involved in. Using statistical references from the Uganda Police and Prisons; he highlighted these vices the youth are involved in today namely;
high rate of murder, increase in early pregnancies, sexual abuse, drug abuse, gambling, committing suicide, high crime rate hence the high number of youth in prisons all over the nation. He therefore posed this question; where are they learning all these vices from?
“He clearly pointed out that all these are as a result of a failed society and a failed society is a result of a failed home and a failed home is a result of failed character” he further pointed out that the greatest problem we are facing in our families is the sense of “SELF” and when self becomes our goal and lifestyle, we are doomed to fail. The seeds of self are of a sinful nature and when they are not delt with, they are passed on to the next generation. Hebrews 12:15. The root of bitterness is the cause of all these troubles we see in our homes today and it must be broken /cut off from our generation and families.
How do we cut off this cycle? Or where do we find hope? Jesus Christ is our only hope because he paid the price for us, and reconciled us to God. Christ as well sent the Holy Spirit to give us light in this dark world. Just like Mary, we ought to come at the feet of Jesus.The love for one another is a command to obey and in so doing, we are truly his disciples. (John 13:34-35).
In conclusion, the preacher urged the congregations that the best platform of household discipleship is parenthood and in the family. He therefore urged the following persons; To the Fathers- to speak life, safety, encouragement and tell their children that they are precious & valuable in God’s sight and to them. To the Mothers– to speak peace, grace, humility and love to the children such that they respect others. He as well urged the parents to reflect Christ as their best model of discipling family members. To the Youth– to look to Jesus regardless of your family background, to live in obedience to God and to your elders such that you may glorify God. From his personal testimony, Rev. Gideon urged Parents & Children to: continuously pray for & with, give wise counsel, love and care for one another in nurturing them in the Word regardless of their behavior’ for it is the
Lord who transforms the hearts of men.
Guiding Questions and Prayer Items
1) As an individual, share your personal testimony of how you discipled or have been discipled by; your Family Members/Relatives/Friends and the Church?
2) As a Cell, study and share these scriptures; Colossians 3:5-15 & Proverbs 3:1-12 concerning denying self and rasing Disciples in Homes.
3) Prayerfully reflect on Matthew 28:16-20 and pray for yourself/family members, the Church and the Nation as regards fulfilling the great commission.
Mutabazi Eriya Atukunzire
Home Cell & Pastoral Care Coordinator
mutabazieriya@gmail.com