As I read this journal entry from Mark Driscoll I expected (just as he did) that Mr Packer would expound some profound deep theological aspects of scripture...he does note several areas including "regeneration", "God-centered theology", and the "Trinity".
However, look at the other aspect he perceives as being one of the "theological issues he would commend young Christian leaders to study in order to be prepared for the next fifty years." (This includes Driscoll's comment as well)
Godliness Begins at Home — This point was both surprising and refreshing. I was expecting only weighty and complicated theological admonition from such a theological giant. However, his wise counsel on this point is well needed. Packer said that most Christians do not take seriously the biblical teaching that true Christian living begins first at home with one’s spouse, children, and grandchildren. Therefore, he implored young Christian leaders to begin their quest for maturity and holiness at home in relationship with their family.
You know what, I think this really is profound. It is profound because it contrast the other areas mentioned like the doctrines of the Trinity or Regeneration. It is also profound because it brings to light how the world sees families not as a foundational aspect of life or living but really as an after-thought. Why does God call himself Father? Why is Christ the groom and will one day take away his "bride" (the Church)? Why are we considered "children" of God when we accept by faith Christ as the substitution for sin.
Packer is right in saying this because today - Christians (not just Pastors or "leaders" in the Church) should strive to have a peaceful home, teach each other, and seek God TOGETHER. Even God-called singles are a part of an extended family somewhere down the line (mother, father, aunt, uncle, etc..). Of course, I believe fathers are the scriptural leaders of their home. Fathers are expected to be the first to lead their families in seeking God and following His will for the home. I also believe that scripture reveals situations where a woman will be the spiritual leader of a "household" (which most likely included workers and may or may not have included children as in Acts 16:14). Today, however, there are many convoluted forms in existence. Yet in the model that God has laid out it is the family structure that is key to teaching each other and learning more about God. I have no problem integrating single parents, singles, divorced parents, or the like in a Church environment and teaching them to be "spiritual" leaders of their home. The point is for you (a believer), the parent and the family unit to be responsible for teaching your children, and even others outside your family about God, growing in knowledge and being an integral part of that process. The structure established in most Churches today works well (for the most part) but some families rely too much on the "sunday school teacher" to be the one that has the ultimate responsibility in teaching their children about God and biblical principles. I think it should be different...
Just as scripture tells us (Deut 6:5-9)"You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." and as Packer suggest we should strive to make our home a place of learning, teaching, growing, and understanding God and letting that permeate the whole household (and I would suggest right in to your community).
Read the short entry here:
http://theresurgence.com/node/1091
