This article is bound to be controversial as is anything pertaining to the new American president. I write with the perspective of one who grew up for 18 years in South Africa and yet has lived most of the past 35 years in the United States. This series of articles on Marketplace Ministry comes after years of recording many successful business leaders who are changing their countries and their culture.
 
One of our Marketplace teachers pointed out that God had used a wealthy businessman to get the body of Jesus Christ from the Cross into a God-ordained tomb from which the resurrection could happen. His name was Joseph of Arimathea and the Bible describes him as “a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus.” His wealth gave him influence and the ability to approach Pilate with the request for the Body of Christ. This was at a time when the disciples were hiding in fear.
 
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Perhaps no event in history so affected the people of its own time more than the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It became the theme that attracted thousands to the cause of Christ, and the cornerstone around which the early church was built.
In three and a half years of preaching, Jesus Christ, a perfect Man who spoke like no other man, “We have never heard anyone speak like this!” – John 7:46, and who attested His words with all forms of miracles, only some 500 became adherents of His beliefs. Within a very short time after Pentecost, the apostles, “unlearned and ignorant men” – Acts 4:13, added thousands to the fold.

The significant difference was the fact of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The Jews could not deny it. They had taken every precaution to make sure the body could not be stolen from the grave. Yet, despite the seal of Pilate and the elite guard of the Sanhedrin, the grave was empty.

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Families simply can’t function without respect – but the more we push, the more elusive it seems to be. So what’s the answer? Why won’t children fall into line? What kind of plan can possibly help? There are no easy answers, but there are positive directions. First, try backing off. Families are not the military and there is no uniform code of conduct. If you want to earn respect from your children, do these 10 things:
1. Respect your children:
This is going to look different from child to child, but you know when you’re disrespectful – and so do they. As the parent, this is something we can teach by doing.
2. Respect your spouse:
The relationship between parents sets the tone for the greater family dynamic. When children witness mom and dad treat one another with love and respect – despite their differences – the standard has been set. On the other hand, when kids witness their parents bring one another down – it’s an uphill climb from there.
 
3. Be consistent:
Children need to know what to expect. Inconsistency on the part of parents leaves kids floundering. Consistency is both a compass and an anchor.

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