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We have just celebrated Family Fun Day as a Church. It underlines the importance we as a Church give to the purpose and role of a Christian family. That does not mean that God has no purpose marked out for the singles in the society. Apostle Paul is the perfect example for us to know how God can work in and through them and make them a tremendous blessing.

God’s plan and purpose for families is laid out clearly right from the beginning of the first book of the Bible. (Gen 1:27, 28) Have you ever thought of the familial symbolism in the Bible which refers to God as Father, we as His children and the Church, as the Bride of Christ? Though often we tend to skip the chapters in the Bible dealing with lineage, we should realize that they have a purpose too in pointing out that the family is important to God. Paul also states this fact when he says in 2 Timothy 1:4-5, “I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also”. It becomes clear that families are the starting point for Christian faith.

Martin Lloyd-Jones says, "There is no greater recommendation to the truth and power of the Christian faith than a Christian husband and wife, a Christian marriage, a Christian home."

Living out a Christian family is a tremendous witness, a tremendous testimony to the power of God, particularly in today's culture. Even many servants of God failed in the area of building godly families – be it Samuel, Eli or even David...

So what do we do? Every member of the family needs to work to make it a godly family.

• ●    We need to understand that God has defined the roles for each member of the family. He has set up roles for husband and wife, parents and children to keep everything moving on an even keel. When the roles get misplaced the family struggles and disintegrates. So we need to follow the God given pattern as His ways are perfect.

• ●    Significance of Prayer in the family – Prayer cannot be used simply as a shield against danger. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of a godly family, giving meaning and purpose to every dimension of it. Being able to bow in prayer as the day begins and ends takes care of our frustrations and concerns. We as a family have taken our prayer life a bit more seriously. In fact, this communication between us and God has been the stabilizing factor throughout our life as a family. In good times, in hard times, in moments of anxiety and in periods of happiness, we have shared this wonderful privilege of talking directly to our heavenly Father. That has helped us tremendously. Moreover, we need to understand that Satan from the time of Garden of Eden, is all out to destroy families and prayer is the only shield against all his evil strategies.

• ●    Finally, serving God and His Church must dominate a family’s social calendar apart from work, studies and other activities.

Can we make a quick inward check to see where we stand as a Christian family? 

God calls each one of you to arise and be a Family after His own Heart!

 - Care Pastors