Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
There are several insights the God Story gives us about how a home can experience true peace. While the challenges to family life are many and varied, HOW we prepare and follow through as partners and parents has much to do with our success in family life. Think about it: what is your picture of family success? Your spouse’s view? Truth be told, most couples never define OR intentionally pursue the things which make for a truly successful home.
The Bible clearly explains what it means to be a motivated father. A nurturing mother. A child who can bring honor to both parents and God alike – even during the mutually challenging teen-aged years. A father (husband) needs to know his partner and his children respect him – that they are in his corner through both ups AND downs. Mothers (wives) need to know they are valued above everyone but God Himself. Kids need to grow in parent-responses which prepares them to “rule their own spirit” so they can be a success in the world.
If we miss the boat on creating an environment suited to true maturity we do a huge disservice to our kids and to each other. Is there anything more distasteful than a grown man or woman who has never learned to control their own spirit?
Here is the God Story’s bottom line on a strong home: Husbands and wives: Ephesians 5:25-33/1 Peter 3:1-9. Sons and daughters: Proverbs 4:20-27. Check it out!
“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body.
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:20-27
Take a few minutes and preview the resources at MyStrongHome.com. There is a free introductory course that will help you to determine if this would be helpful to your family in charting or fine-tuning your course. Enjoy!
Today we are taking a look at God’s vision for family. It is hard to imagine family interaction between the Father, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and Wisdom herself. And yet this is the family picture where we find our roots. Just as the Father loves His Son, we too are offered the gracious love of our Father through His Son Jesus.
We don’t select our parents. That part of our story is out of our hands. Nor do we have any control over how our life launches. Circumstances, health, genes – things are well under way by the time our own choices begin to emerge and dominate.
How did you feel about growing up? What about what you provided for your kids? As parents we do the best we can – but the challenges are daunting – even though the rewards are amazing! And do you feel “values supported” as a parent within our broader culture? How would you evaluate the choices you have personally made to associate with others who want to do family right (your community)?