Family

 

Family

To us older folks, family, meant a mother, a father, and their children. In today’s permissive society, like it or not, you’ll find that families come in all different shapes, sizes and compositions. It is often difficult to identify a family unit. A family is not any two or more living organisms clinging together for various reasons. Grasping at straws while reaching for reality and contentment, odd groups identify themselves as family.

It seems odd that in this modern age, if it is modern, family circles encompass a mix of stepparents, half parents, half siblings, same sex parents, extended family members, social groups, etc. Many people consider their family to be people in their lives relatives are not even related. They determine family based on mutual attraction. Maybe a family unit includes a group of two or more people who share a common goal, similar values, and willing to exploit the community by clinging to one another.

Once upon a time. a married mother and father raising their biological children under the same roof denoted a proper family structure. This type of family dynamic is not now stressed as proper. High divorce rates lead to blended families where each parent has children from a previous relationship and both spouses’ children believe they are siblings.

I dare to mention society’s struggle to accept same-sex families and their parenting. Too many same-sex parents are leaving the “closet” and starting “families.” We must note here that research is not sufficient and data lacking to measure benefit or determent. Time alone will tell.

This I can speak without equivocation: "A “Christian family” is a group of people who are related to each other through marriage, birth, or adoption and are committed, first and foremost, to the person and work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The “mainstay” in such a family is faithfully witnessing to the love, power, and forgiveness of God to a watching world. God spoke through Paul (Collisions 3:17) “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

A good Christian family is one that lines up with biblical principles and one in which 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.

Know God, know peace. Amen. 04/04.21 BLL