What Is A Good Christian
Family?
By: Wanda L. Ball
In today's society, we define families in many different ways. We have single parent families,
same sex parent families and father-mother families. And all of these families are acceptable in
this world. Some of us were primarily raised in a single parent home and even though mistakes
or sin was committed, with God's help, we turned out fine. No family is perfect. Just as no one
is perfect. We bring all of our issues, problems and concerns to the table and usually take it out
on the people who are closest to us. Families weren't designed to hurt one another, but to love
and comfort one another. For Genesis 13:8 says, "So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any
quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers."
Even though we all come from different types of families, how does the bible define a family?
The basic biblical family consists of one man, one woman (his wife), and their children (biological
or adopted). Genesis 1:27-28 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he
created him; male and female he created them." God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful
and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." And in Genesis 2:24, the bible says, "For
this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one
flesh." So this scripture clearly states what God's definition of a family is. The extended family
may consist of grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. And all of these
people can create strong family bonds.
The man of the household is ultimately in charge and responsible for his family. His job is to
provide for the family, by working and doing what's necessary to protect them. He should be a
Christian first and vow to follow God and his commands. For 1 Timothy 5:8 says, "If anyone does
not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is
worse than an unbeliever." They are also responsible to their children by teaching and training
them about God. So that they can lead good and productive lives. Fathers should not
discourage their children or talk down to them. (Colossians 3:21) Also Colossians 3:19 says,
"Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." Even though husbands and wives
disagree and fight, this scripture tells us to love one another and not be cruel or hurtful,
because love should never hurt.
The woman of the household should be the nurturer and caretaker of the family. Women were
designed to be the man's helper and to have children. It's not uncommon for the woman to take
over the household and be in charge in today's society. We have risen to the top of the ladder
in our jobs and in some cases make more money than our spouses. I'm not saying that woman
shouldn't be successful, but we have to remember that a Christian family consists of the man
being in charge of the household as God commands. For Ephesians 5:22-24 says, "Wives,
submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ
is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ,
so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." Also husbands who are
non-believers that may be married to wives who are believers, may change their belief by
observing their wives Christian actions or behaviors. (1 Peter 3:1-2) Husbands and wives are
also to remain together for a lifetime, because God hates divorce. (Malachi 2:16) Woman are
also to teach and train their children in the Lord. For children are rewards from God. (Psalm
127:3) And children are to obey their parents by honoring them, so they may also live long and
prosperous lives. (Ephesians 6:1-3)
The bible gives us clear definitions of what a Christian family should be. The family should make
a commitment to God for their lifetime and maintain the roles that have been given and
explained. Marriage was not created by man, but by God. And if we make sure to always put
God first in our households, than we will have peace and harmony in our lives for years to come.
"For me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
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