Overflowing in Family Life

“We Will Serve the Lord”
Joshua 24:14 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

As Joshua aged and realized his days were ending he addressed the Hebrews a few final times. He confronts them with their choice of faithfulness to the Lord and tells them they must choose whom they will serve and worship. He then makes the statement; “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua understands the importance of family faith and seeks to lead in serving God almighty. Throughout scripture we are admonished to teach, train, equip, model and disciple others and the others include and should start with family and home. The foundation of that healthy and Godly home begins with a foundation of God centered purpose. Psalm 127 puts it this way “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder’s labor in vain”.

A research study conducted over 20 years and included 14,000 families from all 50 states and 24 countries studied family strengths, family health and family happiness. From all the research, interviews, surveys and questionnaires a conclusion was reached that identified 6 Key Characteristics seen in what they termed “Fantastic Families”….families that appeared healthy, happy and strong in relationships and function. Strong families are not families without problems…they have learned to deal with those problems in positive, encouraging and supporting ways. They feel good about themselves as a family unit and have a sense of belonging with each other…a sense of we. So what are those 6 Qualities? (A book entitled “Fantastic Families” by Joe Beam & Nick Stinnett goes into much depth and detail concerning the below principles and the families’ survey)

1. Commitment - to the family, to marriage, to each individual, to priorities, to honesty, to the long haul and to family traditions.

2. Expresses Appreciation & Affection – to each person in the family. Where each knows and understands the value they bring to the home. Where each person gives and receives affirmation, expresses appreciation, realizes their potential through attention and feels loved through affection.

3. Share Positive Communication – there is a freedom/openness to express thoughts and emotions because all is done in a positive atmosphere. Eph 4:29 states it this way “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those that hear.” Entire volumes are written on communication….take the time to study, develop and master positive communication that adheres to the principles of Eph 4:29

4. Time Together – time together, both quantity and quality develops family identity, it nurtures relationships and it makes memories. Families that play together, pray together, serve together, and “do nothing” together builds “togetherness”.

5. Nurture Spiritual Wellbeing – it was found that there were 6 blessings of those homes built on Spiritual Foundation. (1)Home had Purpose/Meaning, (2)Home had Principles/Guidelines for living, (3) There was a Positive Confident Outlook on life, (4)Support in trials of life, (5) True Freedom/Peace, (6) Access to Power of God. These families developed their spiritual well-being through corporate worship/study, through prayer and meditation on God’s Word, by talking about God’s Word and precepts in everyday life, by avoiding dissension/disagreement and by building a legacy of following God’s Word/purpose.

6. Strong Families Learn how to cope with Stress & Crisis – these families had learned 6 tactics for coping with stress & crisis: (1)Keep things in Perspective; (2) Let Go & Let God; (3) Focus on God not self; (4)Humor Yourself; (5)Take one step at a time; (6) Refresh & Restore – self.

Not surprising, they are all principles found laid out in God’s Word for how we are to relate to each other. Each of us desires to build a strong & healthy home upon the Solid Rock foundation of Jesus Christ. What principles above need some improvement to accomplish that purpose? May each of us be reminded of the importance of choosing to include God’s Word and God’s presence in our everyday life so that each of us will laboring toward strong and healthy homes.

Grateful Marty