1 Timothy 3:4, “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.”
The nature of God can be seen in a happy and healthy family. God intended the ideal family to have a godly father and mother that lovingly work together as one to raise their children to be obedient to God’s commands. The unity of persons in one family is an earthly example of the Trinity, which is the family of God. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit share the same nature and essence with different roles, but they work together as One.
First, when the husband and wife work together as one, with different roles, they display the perfect nature of God to their children. If moms and dads both humbly serve God and each other, then nothing can separate them or tear them apart! The marriage that is built on the Word of God will last.
Second, when the children in the family obey their parents, it reflects the way we as God’s children are to obey our heavenly Father. If a disciple’s home is out of order and the children don’t obey the parents, this sets a bad example to the world because outsiders may think Christian children are rebellious or that our heavenly Father really doesn’t expect us to always obey Him.
God commanded all of Jesus’ disciples who desire to be married to have a blessed family. A blessed family is not a mirage or something that is man made, but rather when God is at the center of a home, the family is built and sustained by the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
Paul wrote in today’s passage that if disciples don’t have “their family” in order, they shouldn’t be trusted with leading “God’s family” (“the church”). First, we practice and perfect our leadership in our family and then second, we lead other families as servant leaders in the church. Don’t be discouraged if your family has problems that arise, because every family does, but remember Jesus is the Problem Solver, able to deliver you from every evil.
Chuck Swindoll wrote, “A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.” Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and lead your family in a way that not only blesses everyone in your home, but also is an example to those around you. And if you’re single or have come from a broken family, follow God’s Word all the more and let Him direct your paths to start a new family with a godly heritage.
Reflection
What is your family life like?
Action
- Repent if you haven’t always managed or served your family in a godly way.
- Follow God’s commands for the family and set the example for the rest of your family to follow (Joshua 24:15).
- Pray and ask the Lord to make your family a blessing and example to those around you.
