No two families are exactly alike, and
because of the imperfect world in which we live, God’s ideal for the home is
not a personal reality for everyone. But irrespective of our particular
household dynamics, how can we ensure that spirituality is being developed in our
homes?
I. Provide
what is really important. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and
especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse
than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV). Beyond the essentials of physical life
(food, shelter, clothing), is there anything else the Lord expects us to provide
for the members of our household? What about security, affection, quality time,
undivided attention, and love? Do our children live in an environment where
they can develop a healthy self-esteem (cf. Genesis 1:26-27; Mark 12:31),
learning the significance of inner beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4)? Of even greater
consequence, we must accept the responsibility of ensuring that our family is
consistently exhorted to “walk worthy of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
II. Create
an atmosphere of faith. From Deuteronomy 6:4-7 we learn three basic family
guidelines. (1) Parents must exemplify faith (vv. 5-6). Our children watch,
listen to, and imitate what we do and say. They pick up on our inconsistencies
as well as our virtues. Whether our focus is on earthly or heavenly things
(Colossians 3:2), our children will likely follow suit. (2) The way of the Lord
must be taught in the home (v. 7a). As important as church assemblies and Bible
classes are, the home is the central spiritual learning environment. Our
children will learn their value system from somewhere, whether from the secular
media, from misdirected peers, or from Christian parents. (3) We must make God
and His will part of our daily conversation (v. 7b). It is never too early to
begin talking to our children about our divine origin, righteousness, the
Lord’s church, soul-winning, being a faithful Christian, marrying a faithful Christian,
and preparing for eternity.
Discipline is consistently practiced in a
godly home (Ephesians 6:4) and must always be understood and administered in
the context of love (Hebrews 12:3-11). Discipline, as God designed, is not
merely corporal punishment but is appropriate action that encourages children
to listen to and obey helpful instruction (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:12-16;
29:15, 17).
III. Prepare
for a family reunion in eternity. If one spouse ends up in heaven without
the other, or if parents are there without their children or vice versa, what a
tragedy! One’s own salvation should never be his/her only concern (cf. Hebrews
11:7). Granted, when our children leave home and are no longer under our
authority and influence, they make their own choices and are solely
accountable. But the general “train up a child” principle of Proverbs 22:6
ought to compel Christian parents to make sure that God is always first in the
home. Families committed to the Lord will forever be together.
Developing spirituality in the family is
no simple task in today’s worldly environment, but with God’s help and the
right focus, let us be committed to this eternally significant endeavor.
--Kevin L. Moore
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