Quite obvious to the pious, concerned person, marriage and the home are under attack! Divorce, debauchery (homosexuality) and disrespect are all devastating God’s design for the home. As such, God’s people must not only speak against these sins, but we also must daily fortify and strengthen our own homes so we can stand the test of time. Fortifying our families is not cliché; it is crucial!
Fortifying our families begins with a religious foundation. God’s design from the beginning was for parents to actively lay a solid foundation on which their children could stand (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). A solid foundation means that we daily and diligently fill the minds of our children with godly education and godly examples. Let’s consider some practical ways parents can do this. When you and your family leave the worship assembly, ask your children about their Bible classes. Encourage them to retell the lesson for that day and what that means to their lives today (application is essential!). Encourage your children to talk about the sermon; ask them what the sermon’s title was, what were some Scriptures used and what application was made. Never let a day go by when God’s Word is not studied with your children. Set time aside for daily Bible study.
Some parents do not know where to begin. Some suggestions: begin with the nine conversions in Acts; read one each day, and then, have your children reiterate that conversion in their own words. Talk about God’s plan of salvation and where we read about it in the Bible. Talk about worship and the passages in the Bible where we read what God desires in worship. Talk about vocal music, one church, purity and morality. The topics and texts are limitless, but begin somewhere!
Fortifying our families continues with respect. Children, possibly more than ever, need to be taught respect. Our world has all but removed respect from society, and it is time we get it back! Children need to respect life. The violence in our world seems to lend itself to life becoming unimportant. As such, suicide, murder and drugs are at an all time high (no pun intended). Life is precious (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21). Children need to be taught respect for marriage (Exodus 20:14; 17; Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Divorce has inundated our world, and it is up to Christian parents to counter the attack! Children need to be taught respect for God (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Fortifying our families concludes with resilience. Life is not always “candy and nuts”! Frustration, hardship and discomfort are all part of life. Quitting in the family is never an option. When times get tough, families need to seek help and comfort from God, His Word and His church, but quitting can never be an option! Beginning the battle means little, but it is the finish that matters. Entering the race does not count for much, but crossing the finish line is what matters!
The home and family are under attack! Parents, let’s rise to the occasion; let’s meet the battle head on, and with the Lord’s help, we can be successful! Fortification determines future. Are we ready?
