Family Matters!

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Then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears and bows. Neh 4:13

As I was preparing to teach this chapter in our women’s study this verse went straight to my heart. I find it ironic how in the midst of preparing the people to take a stance against the enemy, that Nehemiah places such an emphasis on the family. He repeats this charge again in verse 14. The hope of restoration and revival for God’s people laid squarely on their faith in God, placing guards in all the right places and the protection of their families. Could there be a greater wake up call from the word of God that the godly family matters? Is it any wonder that this is where the enemy has targeted to overthrow!

 There was a time when we were shocked and saddened by the rising statistics about divorce and broken families. Now we’re surrounded by what the world say’s is the “modern family.” I read this quote and it couldn’t be more timely.

Traditional Families on the Decline. “Do we see that “traditional” families are threatened? We must recognize that to redefine family is to destroy family. As the basic family structure of husband, wife and children falls apart, so does the nation.”

Steve and I have been married for thirty six years. I’m convinced that marriage and family is not for wimps. Without our faith in Christ and commitment to His word the outcome may have been very different. We’ve raised children through great times and tough times, laughter and tears. If I had describe our home I would say we were “perfectly imperfect” but held together in Jesus. One of my favorite quotes about family by Erma Bombeck describes it well. “We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.”

The testimony of our family for Christ’s kingdom, His glory and the knowledge of Him is still the bottom line at the end of the day. Now that we have grandchildren I see the far reaching effects as never before.

It was God’s design from the beginning that the godly family was meant to be a powerful light in the midst of darkness. A man and woman who don’t go with what feels right, but love one another with the unconditional love of God. Who lay down their lives as Christ laid down His, and to raise a new generation with God’s precepts and purpose for their lives.

Ladies, let’s stand for our families. Let’s keep our eyes in God’s word, our hearts surrendered to His will and our feet pursuing the path of the spiritual welfare of our homes. Let’s guard our minds from the media that has redefined the home and reduced it to dysfunctional chaos and anything goes. The value of your godly family and mine will speak volumes both here and in eternity.