When you think of “Family”, what comes to your mind. Do you picture the Brady Bunch from the 1970’s? Maybe “The Goldbergs” from the 1980’s? What about the 1990’s? The Cosby Family? What about in the 2000’s? Modern Family? Or what about the Duck Dynasty Family? Over the short last 40 years, we have seen the family change, and change quickly.
This devotional is not to debate or defend what a family is. According to Scripture, there is no debate. Genesis 2:24 specifically states, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” So our discussion of the family deals with the unification of a man and a woman committing their lives to God and to one another for a lifetime of love. In our society today, it is very obvious to see that the family is under attack. I believe that if the enemy can win the battle and destroy the family, then he can destroy our society as a whole. I desire to encourage you today - trust God and the grace from God today and fight for your family! Yes, it is difficult at times, and we mess up all of the time, but that is no excuse for us as a family to lose this vital gift from God called the family!
It is time for us to reclaim our families and put God first! But how do we do this? How can we begin to evaluate and make this adjustment in our life?
Listen to these words of instruction from Brian Anderson, founding pastor of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in North Phoenix, Arizona.
"How do I put God first?" Personally, One way I do this is by treating each family member the way God tells me to in His Word. As I do this, I am worshipping God, following His ways, and putting Him first. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ also loves the church and gave Himself up for her." The way that I put God first in my family is that I put my wife and her needs before mine. I sacrifice for her and for the children. It is my job to lead them with humility, kindness and gentleness. How do I do that? I wash the dishes, I clean, I offer to watch the children more often, and so forth. In ways such as these, I am looking out for their best interests. That is worship.”
Step One - LOVE
1 John 4:9-10 - This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
How can we love others? How can we love our family? Understand the love that God has for you then return that love by loving your wife, kids and your neighbors.
STEP TWO - SACRIFICE
Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
How can you offer your life up for others? Understand that by serving and placing others interest before your own is an act of worship that pleases the Lord.
STEP THREE - LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Ephesians 6:4 - “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Your child is watching you and desire to please you as a mom and dad. Lead them, discipline them in the way of the Lord and trust God to lead them. Do you pray for your family? Do you spend time in devotional as a family? If not, begin today. Lead by example.
RESPONSE and CHALLENGE this week...
Commit to put God first in all areas of your family. Begin by praying to God and ask Him for the strength and understanding of how to lead.
MUST WATCH this video on putting God first!
http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/the-scruggs
No comments:
Post a Comment