Articles
FAMILY
A Christian family is one that lines up with both biblical principles and when each member understands and fulfills his or her God-given role. The family is not an institution designed by man. It was created by God for the benefit of man, and man has been given stewardship over it. God’s design for the family unit is comprised of one man, one woman—his spouse—and their offspring or adopted children. One of the primary principles of the family unit is that it involves a commitment ordained by God for the lifetime of the members. Although divorce is sought and granted much too easily in our society, the Bible tells us that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16).
"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." (Eph. 6:2-3)
A man stopped at the flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived 200 miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a girl sitting on the curb sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother, but I only have 75 cents and a rose costs $2." The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I will buy you a rose for your mother." He placed his FTD order of flowers to his mother and bought a rose for the girl. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride. She responded, "Yes, please, if you could. Take me to my mother," and she directed him to a cemetery where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave. The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up the flowers and drove the 200 miles to his mother's home. Let us honor our parents.
Children are given two primary responsibilities in the Christian family: to obey their parents and to honor them (Ephesians 6:1–3). Obeying parents is the duty of children until they reach adulthood, but honoring parents is their responsibility for a lifetime. God promises His blessings on those who honor their parents.
"Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."(Eph. 5:33)
A marriage may be "made in heaven" but its maintenance must be done on earth. A wife once said, "It takes both of us to take out the garbage. I can't carry it, and my husband can't remember it." Marriage is man and woman pulling together, not in competition, but with mutual love and respect for each other. Being happily married in the "maintenance" of love.
A Christian marriage, foundational to a Christian family, follows the biblical instructions concerning the bed being undefiled. The Bible counters the cultural view that divorce, living together without being married, and same-sex marriage are acceptable in God’s eyes. Sexuality expressed according to biblical standards is a beautiful expression of love and commitment. Outside of marriage, it is sin.
Ideally, a Christian family will have all members committed to Christ and His service. When a husband, wife, and children all fulfill their God-appointed roles, then peace and harmony reign in the home. But, if we try to have a Christian family without Christ as Head or without adhering to the biblical principles the Lord has lovingly provided for us, the home will suffer.
