FAMILY FOUNDATION

We are living in a time when the divorce rates have gone up as never before. The devil is trying to bring division and disharmony in families. This is when God's children should rise up, be vigilant and get into the 'Biblical foundation'.There is no other foundation.

Jesus told about the two men who built houses: One was a wise man who built the house on a rock. The other was a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain -descended floods came and the winds blew and beat on both the houses. One house did not fall and the other fell down (Matt 7:24-27) Whoever hears the 'word of God' and does it is like the wise man who built his house on the rock. This means, both the houses may have looked alike, but only one house 'stood the test'. The other did not.

'Hearing' and 'doing' the Word of God is the solid foundation God wants us to put.

God ordained marriage:

Remember the first wedding in the Garden of Eden. It was God who felt the need of a woman, for Adam. It was God who performed the marriage. 'Let God arrange your marriage'. God has never changed. But, we need to let God 'choose' the spouse and not run ahead of Him. It might involve waiting upon Him for a season but it is worth the wait. Only the Lord knows the end from the beginning. Man looks at the face but God looks at the heart. If we allow God to 'perform' the wedding, I am sure He will. He will bring the right spouse to you at the right time. The Bible says that we're not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. (2 Cor 6:14) The house will be divided otherwise. We should have no other reservation that is not in the Word of God. Unfortunately, even the well-meaning Christians fall into the trap of Satan, when it comes to marriage. The result is chaos and confusion. Then they wonder why their marriage is breaking up. It is time for the Christian to realize this and be yoked with "a believer"

The role of Husbands/Fathers:

Husbands should 'love' their wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her. Also, the husband should love his wife in the same way he loves his own body. The husband should learn from Christ, the heavenly bridegroom how to nourish and cherish the bride (Eph 5:25,28,29) The husband should sacrifice for the wife. He should take care of her and be sensitive to her needs and her hurts, as he does to his own body.

Fathers are to train up the child in the ways of God. The fathers ought to deal with the children in an atmosphere of tenderness, patience, affection, and encouragement. In so doing, the father enables the child to learn the things of God. (Eph 6:4) God wants the father to teach the child diligently and continually (Deu 6:7). Even when the child grows up to become an adult, he will not depart from the ways of the Lord (Pro 22:6). Fathers should train the children to honor authorities and to be obedient. Rebellion, stubbornness should be discouraged. Love your children as they have a lot of decisions to make.

Role of Wives/Mothers:

Wives should be submissive to the husbands in the same manner as to the Lord in 'everything'. (Eph 5:22,24 and 1Pet 3:1) Wife needs to respect the husband despite the circumstance (vs.32) Wife should help the husband in every way, be complementary and provide support through companionship. (Gen 2:18) As a wife, she should acknowledge his calling as 'head' of the family, respond to his leadership, listen to him, praise him, be in agreement and alignment with his purposes and will. Wife is required to have 'a gentle and quite spirit' which is 'very precious' in the sight of God. (1Pet 3:4)

Mothers need to watch over the 'ways of the household' and 'should be blessing to the children' (Pro 31:27,28) Home is her first priority and should never neglect the home. The Apostle Paul says,' The younger women marry, bear children, guide the household and give no occasion for the devil' (1Tim 5:14) Wives are to be vigilant.

In other words, the wives should be prayerful and should be careful not to open any door for the enemy. She should watch her words and deeds.

Role of Children:

Children are to obey their parents, in all things (Eph 6:1, Col 3:20). Listen to you father who begot you and do not despise your mother when she is old (Pro 23:22). The Bible says, 'My Son, keep your father's command, And do not forsake the law of your mother (Pro 6:20). The Father commands (words). Note the word, "command" when it talks about fathers. The mom makes the children do. Note the word "law" (do this and don't do this) when it talks about mothers. Father does the talking and the mother sees to it that it is done.

The Christian Home:

There should be happiness and peace in a Christian home. Here are some basic keys:

1. There should be a family altar everyday: There should to teaching in your home (Acts 5:42) We have to be examples in our own family members first.

2. Family prayer: The family should pray together. Ps 133 talks about dwelling in unity.

3. Dine together: When Jesus comes into our heart, the first thing He wants to do is dine with us (Rev 3:20) Family should eat together everyday (every meal is quite not possible)

Is your home built on a rock, or sand? How is your foundation?

May the Lord help us build our home on Christ, the Solid Rock, Amen.