What to do on Valentine's Day . . .

. . .walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

(Ephesians 5:2)

What to do on Valentine's Day . . . it gets harder every year. Should I buy chocolates, flowers, jewelry, something sexy, dinner . . . what to do?

I must admit, it is easy to love my family, to express my love to my wife and family is hard. What can a flower really do but for a week? Candy might not even last the day! How do I show my heart to those whom I cherish? Paul gives us very simple advice: walk in love . . . as Christ did!

We all have heard it said that love is a verb. While gifts are a sign of that love, our spouse especially needs to see it and feel it! Our children need to know we are there. Our friends need to know we will stick by them. People need love in action!

But I want to address families this day: for families to remain one, we must follow Paul's direction:

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ

(Ephesians 5:21)

We all must serve one another; husbands, wives, children. There is no exception for the family to be one. Christian families are the biggest light to be lit up for Christ!

Now for fathers, husbands and those men who serve in these roles be careful to do this:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . .

. (Ephesians 5:25)

and

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

(Ephesians 6:4)

I am not here to instruct wives and children today, but really just the men. As the fathers and husbands go, so goes the family. Thank God for our strong moms and wives and for theose wonderful children, but the men must get it right with God first!

What to do on Valentine's Day?

Commit to Christ . . . commit to family!