Perfect Family
Joshua 24:15
Introduction
Beloved, we gather today under the divine grace of our Lord to explore a profound and beautiful topic: the "Perfect Family." Our journey is anchored in the powerful declaration of Joshua 24:15, where Joshua proclaims, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." This scripture sets the foundation for our discussion, emphasizing the importance of dedicating our families to the service of God. Today, we will delve into God's design for family roles and relationships, seeking to understand how we can create a perfect family under His guidance.
I. The Role of Husband and Wife in a Christian Family
Our first focus is the divine partnership between husband and wife, the principles of mutual submission, sacrificial love, and servant leadership.
In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul describes marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives just as Christ loved the Church, demonstrating sacrificial love that nurtures and sanctifies. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ, not as an act of inferiority but as a gesture of respect and partnership.
Colossians 3:18-19 reiterates this, urging wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them. Peter, in 1 Peter 3:1-7, advises wives to be respectful and pure in their behavior, and husbands to honor their wives and treat them as co-heirs of the grace of life.
A practical example of this is found in the story of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18). This couple worked together in ministry, demonstrating mutual respect and a shared mission in Christ. Their partnership was fruitful because it was rooted in love, respect, and a common goal of serving the Lord.
Understanding and practicing mutual submission, sacrificial love, and servant leadership create a strong and loving marriage. It mirrors Christ's love for the Church and sets a powerful example for children and the wider community.
Common Obstacles Christian Families Facing Today:
Several obstacles can hinder a Christian family's growth in Christ. These obstacles can arise from both internal and external sources. Here are some common challenges:
Internal Obstacles:
1. Lack of Spiritual Discipline: Inconsistent practices such as irregular prayer, Bible study, and church attendance can weaken the family's spiritual foundation.
2. Communication Breakdowns: Poor communication within the family can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and unresolved issues that hinder spiritual growth.
3. Unforgiveness and Resentment: Holding onto grudges and failing to forgive can create a barrier to experiencing God's love and grace within the family.
4. Busy Lifestyles: Overcommitment to work, school, and extracurricular activities can leave little time for spiritual practices and family bonding.
5. Materialism and Worldly Distractions: Prioritizing material possessions and secular activities over spiritual growth can lead to a weakened focus on faith.
6. Inconsistent Role Modeling: When parents or guardians do not live out the Christian values they teach, it can confuse and weaken the faith of younger family members.
External Obstacles:
1. Secular Culture: Societal values that contradict Christian teachings can influence family members, leading to conflicts between cultural norms and biblical principles.
2. Negative Influences: Peer pressure, media, and other external influences can lead family members, especially children and teenagers, away from Christian values.
3. Persecution and Discrimination: In some regions, practicing Christianity can result in social, economic, or legal repercussions, making it difficult for families to grow in their faith.
4. Economic Pressures: Financial stress and job insecurity can create anxiety and tension within the family, diverting focus from spiritual growth.
5. Health Issues: Chronic illness or mental health challenges can strain family dynamics and spiritual well-being.
Addressing These Obstacles:
1. Cultivating Spiritual Discipline: Establishing regular family prayer, Bible study, and worship routines can strengthen spiritual growth.
2. Open and Honest Communication: Encouraging transparent communication and active listening can help resolve conflicts and build trust.
3. Practicing Forgiveness: Emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and grace can help heal relationships and foster a loving environment.
4. Prioritizing Family Time: Setting aside dedicated time for family activities and spiritual practices can help balance busy schedules.
5. Aligning with Christian Values: Making intentional choices to prioritize faith over materialism and secular distractions can reinforce spiritual growth.
6. Role Modeling: Parents and guardians should strive to live out the Christian values they teach, providing a consistent example for their children.
7. Engaging with a Faith Community: Being active in a church or Christian community can provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
By recognizing and addressing these obstacles, a Christian family can create an environment that nurtures and supports their collective growth in Christ.
II. Family Relationships and the Children's Role in a Faithful Family
Next, we turn our attention to the broader family dynamics, particularly the roles and relationships between parents and children. Ephesians 6:1-4, Colossians 3:20-21, and Proverbs 22:6 provide clear guidance.
Ephesians 6:1-4 instructs children to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right. Paul quotes the commandment, "Honor your father and mother," which carries a promise of well-being and long life. Fathers are advised not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Colossians 3:20-21 echoes this, urging children to obey their parents in everything and fathers to avoid discouraging their children. Proverbs 22:6 offers timeless wisdom: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Consider the example of Timothy, who was raised in faith by his mother Eunice, and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). Their diligent teaching and example laid a strong foundation for Timothy's future ministry, illustrating the powerful impact of a faith-filled upbringing.
Family relationships thrive on a foundation of respect, love, and obedience. Parents are to guide their children with love and discipline and honor and obey their parents, creating a harmonious and godly family environment.
How and what is the real problem children face in today’s world?
Children of Christian families today face several hindrances that can lead to a negative perception of church fellowships. Understanding these challenges can help in addressing the reasons behind their reluctance or aversion. Here are some common hindrances:
Hindrances:
1. Relevance of Teachings:
- Perception of Irrelevance: Children and teenagers often feel that the teachings and activities at church do not relate to their everyday lives and struggles.
- Lack of Engagement: Traditional church services may not be engaging or interactive enough to capture the interest of younger generations.
2. Hypocrisy and Judgment:
- Perceived Hypocrisy: Children may observe discrepancies between what is preached and how church members, including their parents, behave outside of church.
- Judgmental Attitudes: Experiencing judgmental behavior or criticism from church members can make children feel unwelcome or alienated.
3. Cultural Disconnect:
- Cultural Differences: The church culture might feel disconnected from the contemporary culture that children are immersed in, including technology, media, and social norms.
- Generational Gap: A significant gap between the older and younger generations in the church can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of connection.
4. Peer Pressure and Social Dynamics:
- Peer Pressure: Friends and peers who do not attend church or who hold negative views about religion can influence a child's attitude toward church.
- Social Isolation: If children do not have friends or a social group within the church, they may feel isolated and uninterested in attending.
5. Boring or Unappealing Services:
- Monotony: Services that are perceived as boring, repetitive, or overly formal can deter children from participating.
- Lack of Fun Activities: Churches that do not provide enjoyable, age-appropriate activities or events may struggle to keep children interested.
6. Time Constraints and Prioritization:
- Busy Schedules: Children often have packed schedules with school, extracurricular activities, and social events, leaving little time or energy for church activities.
- Parental Prioritization: If parents do not prioritize church attendance or express enthusiasm about it, children are less likely to value it.
7. Negative Experiences:
- Past Negative Experiences: Bad experiences with church members or leaders, such as bullying, exclusion, or negative encounters, can lead to lasting aversion.
- Pressure and Coercion: Feeling pressured or coerced into attending church can create resentment and a desire to rebel.
Reasons for Disliking Church Fellowships:
1. Irrelevance to Personal Life: Children might feel that the messages and activities at church do not address their interests, struggles, or the issues they face in their daily lives.
2. Lack of Authentic Relationships: If children do not form meaningful and authentic relationships within the church community, they may not see the value in attending.
3. Boring or Unengaging Content: Services and activities that fail to capture their interest or that seem monotonous can make church feel like a chore rather than a meaningful experience.
4. Perception of Hypocrisy: Observing hypocrisy among church members, especially leaders, can lead to cynicism and disillusionment.
5. Judgment and Exclusion: Experiences of judgment or exclusion, whether real or perceived, can make children feel unwelcome and uncomfortable.
Addressing These Issues:
1. Make Teachings Relevant: Ensure that teachings and activities are relevant to the lives of children and address contemporary issues they face.
2. Create Engaging Programs: Develop engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate programs and activities that capture the interest of children and teenagers.
3. Promote Authenticity: Foster a culture of authenticity, where church members live out their faith consistently and genuinely.
4. Build Relationships: Encourage the formation of genuine, supportive relationships within the church community, especially among peers.
5. Incorporate Modern Elements: Integrate modern technology, music, and media that resonate with younger generations into church services and activities.
6. Foster Inclusion and Acceptance: Create an environment of acceptance, where children feel valued and included, regardless of their background or struggles.
7. Encourage Open Dialogue: Allow children to express their doubts, questions, and concerns openly, without fear of judgment, and address these issues thoughtfully and respectfully.
By addressing these hindrances and making intentional efforts to create a welcoming and relevant church environment, Christian families can help their children develop a positive attitude toward church fellowships and foster their spiritual growth.
III. The Relationship with God in Christian Perspectives
A deep, abiding relationship with God lies at the heart of a perfect family. Joshua 24:15 challenges us to choose whom we will serve, and as a family, serving the Lord is the cornerstone of harmony and purpose.
The core value of a Christian family is often centered around the following principles:
Love: The central commandment in Christianity is to love one another, as highlighted by Jesus in the New Testament. This love is unconditional and sacrificial, modeled after Christ's love for humanity (John 13:34-35).
Faith: A Christian family prioritizes a shared faith in God, with a focus on cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This involves regular practices such as prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in church activities.
Service: Serving others is a crucial value, reflecting Jesus' teaching that serving others is akin to serving Him (Matthew 25:40). Families often engage in acts of charity, kindness, and support for their community.
Forgiveness: Reflecting God's forgiveness of human sins, Christian families emphasize the importance of forgiving one another and reconciling differences (Ephesians 4:32).
Integrity: Living a life of honesty, ethical behavior, and moral integrity is a key value. This includes being truthful, and trustworthy, and upholding strong moral principles in all aspects of life.
Respect and Honor: Christian families teach respect for each other, authority figures, and elders. Honoring parents is a biblical commandment (Exodus 20:12).
Unity and Peace: Maintaining unity and peace within the family is crucial. This involves resolving conflicts lovingly and constructively and striving for harmony and mutual support.
Teaching and Discipleship: Parents are often seen as the primary spiritual educators of their children, responsible for instilling Christian values and teachings (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
These core values aim to create a nurturing and supportive environment where each family member can grow spiritually, emotionally, and morally.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 commands us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. We are to impress these commandments on our children, discussing them at home and on the road, when we lie down and get up. This constant engagement with God's word keeps Him at the center of our lives.
Psalm 127:1 reminds us, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." A family that places God at its core, seeking His guidance in every decision, will stand firm against life's challenges.
The story of Cornelius in Acts 10 exemplifies this principle. Cornelius was a devout man who feared God with all his household. His devotion led to a divine encounter, blessing his entire family with salvation. Their commitment to God opened the door for His blessings to flow abundantly.
When a family builds its life on a relationship with God, they are laying a foundation that will withstand any storm. Every aspect of their lives, from daily activities to major decisions, will be guided by their faith and commitment to God's word.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a perfect family aligns itself with God's design: husbands and wives fulfilling their roles with love and respect, children obeying and honoring their parents, and the entire family maintaining a steadfast relationship with God.
As we reflect on Joshua 24:15, let us echo his declaration: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Let this be the guiding principle of our lives, the foundation upon which we build our families.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
