Day 5

Why does the Bible, starting on the second page, teach that the foundational cornerstone of family is marriage? It is because marriage is an image of our relationship with Jesus, and this image leaves a legacy to the next generation.

Sin, ever-shifting cultural trends, and dark spiritual forces work together to wreak havoc on the blessing of a healthy family. But every day we have an opportunity to take a stand just like the Joshua of the Bible did and declare, “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord!”

Sometimes it is tempting to think it is the responsibility of a school, a government, or even a church to raise our families. But the best place to start instilling family values is in the home. Are you a parent or caregiver? You are the gatekeeper of the home and the primary model for the children who live there. Where you lead they will tend to follow. Even if your own upbringing was unhealthy or traumatic, you have an opportunity to set a new course for every generation that follows you: a journey in the love of Christ.

As Christians we embrace God’s wisdom that if we train up a child in the way they should go, they will not depart from it. This is a responsibility but it is also a blessing. Let’s steward our families well!

Reflection:

Where Are you leading your family?

Is the direction you're leading them honoring to God?

What do you see that needs to change in your home to honor God more?

Action Step:

Write a family mission statement about what and who your family commits to be.

Bible Verses:

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”” - Joshua 24:15 NIV

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 NKJV