Family relationships
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
Satan is trying to destroy the family! Many people are no longer satisfied with God’s plan.
According to the Bible the family unit consists of husband, wife and children. Jesus said, “Have ye not
read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, For this cause shall a man
leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they
are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder”
(Matthew 19:4-6).
We also read in I Timothy 5:14, “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” Children are a wonderful addition to any family; yet, with the coming of children also comes a most serious responsibility. Parents have the responsibility of providing for their children physically and spiritually. What is it that our children really need?
Our children need the security of a stable home life. In order to properly develop, children need the security that comes from knowing that they are loved and wanted by a mother and father. How tragic to read of children who are abandoned or abused. We need to express our feelings to our children verbally, and we also need to show them our love by our actions.
Our children need to know that whatever they do they are still our children and that we will love them. We may not approve of their decisions, but we will love them none the less. If mom and dad love one another and provide a stable home then a child has a much better chance of dealing with life’s problems.
Our children also need the time and companionship of a mother and father. We cannot buy our children’s love and respect. All of the money and the things that it can buy cannot make up for our failure to be there for our children. If we are too busy to take time for our children, then we are too busy!
We need to learn from the example of Samuel as recorded in the book of I Samuel. Even though Samuel was a judge of Israel and a great man of God the Bible says concerning his sons, that they “walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice” (8:3). What was the problem?
Even though Samuel was busy doing the Lord’s work, he neglected his children. We read in chapter 7 and verse 16, “and he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpeh and judged Israel in all those places.” Samuel was so busy helping others that he neglected to help his own children. How tragic!
Children also need the trust and confidence of their parents. Children need to be trusted, and as parents we need to let them know our expectations and that we have confidence in them to meet our expectations. We should trust our children until they give us reason not to. We must train our children
properly (Proverbs 22:6) and then place our trust in them to do what is right.
Children also need a good example from their parents. Our example means far more than what we say. It does no good to tell our children to be honest and then lie in their presence. It does absolutely no good to tell a child not to drink, smoke, or use drugs and then to engage in such as their parent. Like all of us, children had rather “see a sermon” than hear one. We must live properly if we want our children to live properly! Lord willing, we will continue these thoughts next time.
Please send your questions to: Dabass1962@bellsouth.net or write to us at: Rockford Church of
Christ; 8997 U.S. Hwy. 231; Rockford, AL 35136.
Visit with us Sunday at 9:00 for Bible Study and 10:00 for worship. We are located a few doors
down from Dollar General.
Search the Scriptures!
