Christian Family? Make YOUR Decision!

Just because a young man and young woman are saved does not mean they will have a Christian family. The Christian family today is loosely defined. It could refer to a man, a woman, and their children who occasionally attend church or actually join a church. As I looked for a picture to accompany this article, I was impressed by the predominant connection to Christmas or Easter. The images often depicted a family in a “religious pose” with a “spiritual” look on their faces, hands clasped in a prayer pose. None of those ideas is representative of a Christian family.

If you are only a Christmas or Easter church attendee, that does not make you a Christian family. If you strike a religious pose for a picture with a Bible and/or praying hands, that does not make you a Christian family.

A Christian family is composed of a born-again mother and father, along with one or more children. They are intent on living Christlike lives in their home as well as attending and being active in church throughout the year. Mom and Dad are dedicated to teaching and training their children not only in Bible facts but also in applying biblical truth in their daily lives. They purposely work to bring their children to saving faith in Jesus Christ. They want their children to live by biblical principles that are of their own conviction, not the convictions of their parents.

The critical question for a young couple approaching marriage or for a married couple that wants to put their family back on God’s family track is this:  Do we genuinely want to have a Christian family? There must be a definite decision to make Christ the head of your home every day of the week. You must first have a clear purpose or goal to build a Christian home. We must choose and stand like Joshua, declaring, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

There is a cost. To produce a Christian family is not easy. Here are several things to consider:

Are you saved and committed to Christ? Do you genuinely want to study the Bible and apply its principles to your lives in the home?

Children or no children? To the already established couple, this question is probably already settled. However, for the new or prospective couple, this needs to be decided. Keep in mind God’s statement about children in Psalm 127:3. “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Children are a couple’s special blessing from God. They are also God’s way of passing the faith on from generation to generation. “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” (Psalm 78:5-7).

Stay-at-Home Mom or Career Mom? This was not an issue in Biblical times. But it is now. “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” (Proverbs 1:8). “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also”. (2 Timothy 1:5) Timothy’s father was probably unsaved, but his believing mother and grandmother had an enormous influence in teaching him the truths of God. Both Mom and Dad are essential for Biblical teaching in the home. If the father is the primary breadwinner of the home, then the wife has significantly more time to spend with the children.

Financial hardship may dictate the answer to this question. However, a Christian couple should consider carefully the difference between needs and wants. “For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:14) “But godliness with contentment is great gain. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:6, 8-9).

Pleasure for self – or family? 1 Timothy 3 warns of perilous times in the last days. Men will be “lovers of their own selves,” – – – “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof:” (1 Timothy 3:2-5). Christian men often leave their wives with the children while they hunt, or fish, or play golf, or “go out with the guys.”  There is nothing wrong with these activities, but Christians should evaluate what is best for their family and God. Should the family be included with the dad in these activities? Will participation in these activities keep you from church?

Time for children or self-pleasure? Keep in mind that what your children want most is not toys, gimmicks, TV, iPhones, or whatever. They know you love them when you give them your time. 

So, do you want a Christian family, or not? Count the cost and make up your mind. Give your family Christ, your love, and your time.

What is your choice? A Christian family or a “run-of-the-mill” or “go-with-the-flow” family?

This article is the first of several I will be writing on the Christian Family. I hope they will bless and help you.