Families can be a source of life; yet families can also be a source of much pain.
Lifespring has been called to be a Kingdom Family: Genuine Love for God and Genuine Care for Others. The emphasis here though is that we are called to be a KINGDOM family, not a dysfunctional family. A Kingdom family is one that aligns and represents God – not our own thoughts, opinions, and desires.
If Lifespring is to be a Kingdom family, then we need to understand what the purpose of the family unit is. As you read below, take note of your own family, while also recognizing God is speaking to the church family as well.
One of the primary roles of a Family is Education
- The Family is God’s way of Education
We are to teach our children. We need to educate them on the things of God. Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. He says the second commandment is similar – to love your neighbour as yourself. This is the GREATEST commandment in the entire world! Yet… I do not see this on the school curriculum.
It is the family’s responsibility to teach one another that it is God first – everything else second.
- The Family always transfers its Values
The family is so powerful that we transfer values to our children whether we like it or not. Whatever we spend the most time on is what we value the most. Our children see what we value and naturally value what the parents value. If I am on my phone 5 hours a day, my children will see that I value my phone. So when my children want to be on a phone 5 hours a day, I can’t blame them! It is my values that I have passed!
What values are you passing? Do people see you in prayer? In Lifegroups? Worshipping God in spirit and truth? Serving the poor? Helping others? Welcoming people into your house?
- The Family Instills Morality
In today’s world there are a lot of things that are “right” that according to the Bible are wrong. There are a lot of things “wrong” that according to the Bible are right. If our children are not taught in the family what is right vs. what is wrong – then the world will teach them right from wrong.
Don’t let the world teach your children what is right or wrong – let the family teach them what the Word of God says.
- Families Establish Righteous Traditions & Customs
Culture happens when you no longer have to think whether or not it should be done. Culture happens when it becomes second nature, it is simply who you are and what you do. Every Sunday Celebration and every Lifegroup gathering – if there is something that says, “maybe I will skip today” – it means you are human. It means that we are just not there yet!
Serving the poor is a culture that has not come naturally to my family, but it comes with conviction, obedience, and repetition. In our van we always have packages for when we see people asking for help on the streets. We will always stop and provide a small package that the family made at home. At this point, our children are always looking out for people and will point out if I don’t see them! They will automatically tell mommy and daddy to give them a package, in fact they fight that they want to give the package!
What is your family known for? Are you known for your generosity? Your hospitality? Being full of wisdom and the Spirit? Or are we known for always being late? Being unreliable?
Families have always been God’s plan. That is why He calls us “sons” over 200 times and “master” only 6 times in the Bible. As God has called us to be a Kingdom Family, let us take our assignment seriously. Let us commit to educate and commit to grow in the ways of God.
Father God, thank you. Thank you for our families – even the dysfunctional ones. Thank you for this church family – even in our dysfunctional times. Forgive us when we have not represented you as grandparents, parents, and even children. We thank you for your grace and mercy and ask that we would not just grow as a family – but we would grow as a Kingdom Family. Search us. Test us. Lead us in the way everlasting.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.