Most of us would agree that fostering strong, positive relationships is essential for a healthy environment, but in these end times, that’s not always easy to do. The world is full of negative influences that can break down the close-knit bonds between people and isolate them. Family relationships are extremely important to God; however, these relationships have come under attack. We can fight back by standing on God’s Word that outlines some basic tenets for building godly families and keeping them strong.
We live in a high-tech culture, and temptations from all directions face all age groups and generations. Ungodly influences have the potential to split families apart, and create conflict and strife. Choosing to take a stand in this area is never popular, and as Christians, we can expect pushback when we put biblical values above worldly values. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
We’re in a spiritual fight. One way the devil influences the family unit is by prompting alienation between parents and children. Thankfully, we don’t have to tolerate this kind of evil. We can counteract it by deliberately speaking the Word of God over our families. “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors” (Deuteronomy 11:18-21, NLT).
Children are the next generation, and in many ways they’re blank slates waiting for information and instructions on how to live. The message the world directs toward them can give them the wrong information, creating fear and anxiety. This isn’t God’s will for our children; letting Him work through parents and caregivers preserves the children’s peace of mind and keeps the family intact. “I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace” (Isaiah 54:13, NLT). This peace comes when the entire family puts into practice the biblical foundations that guard against external influences.
Youth take their cues from their parents on how to deal with emotional issues. If we want them to grow into emotionally stable adults, it’s up to us to set the example. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). All families have disagreements from time to time, but we can address issues with mutual respect and a level head instead of losing our temper.
Just as God gives guidelines for adults, He also has expectations for children. Letting the Word, instead of the world, shape their attitudes and values puts the younger generation in a position to receive blessings. “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). God especially loves children and wants to prosper them. Godly children stand out powerfully from the world.
It’s not easy keeping a family together with everything that’s going on around us; we can certainly expect challenges. However, God promises us that when we stand on His Word, we will succeed. Trusting Him is a guaranteed win.