by Jhun Bautista
Synopsis: Despite differences in our cultures, American and Filipino brethren face similar challenges. Brother Bautista highlights the importance of building our homes upon a solid spiritual foundation.
God created the family. It was the first institution built by our Lord (Gen. 2:18-25). Since then, and even now, the family has been the foundation of all societies. The home is the cradle of civilization. However, it is sad to say that our society may be swaying on the border of disaster, because, nowadays the traditional home has degenerated beneath the weight of prosperity, materialism, and worldliness.
Strong homes provide strong support for the church. The glorious church was in the mind of God before the creation of the home (Eph. 1:4; 3:21). The church reveals God's manifold wisdom to all principalities and powers in heavenly places (Eph. 3:10-11). Christian homes serve as a seedbed in which the saving seed of the kingdom is sown. Churches grow and accomplish great service to God. Yet, the strength of local congregations depends upon the quality of righteousness emanating from individual families.
There is a great need for strong families. They are crucial for strong churches. Strong families consist of men who know how to be loving leaders (Eph. 5:23, 25, 28-29), and women who are virtuous and submissive in all things (Prov. 31:10-31; Eph. 5:22-24). In such homes, children are raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). In this article, let us consider several qualities that are essential to produce strong families.
Strong families must begin with God building the house (Ps. 127:1). A home built by the loving hands of God is a home where our LORD is their King and their priority to serve in all activities of their life and not serve other gods. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh. 24:15). How we behave at home is a true indicator of who and what we are. The Psalmist said, "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart" (Ps. 101:2). Is Christ the King and Head of your home? Is He considered and consulted when you make decisions? Do you communicate with Him when a crisis occurs?
A home built by the loving hands of God is a home where the Bible is read and regarded (Deut. 6:5-9). Is the Bible part of your family life and room? One reason, I believe, that there were "family conversions" in the first century was because religion was the central point to those families, from the head down (Acts 10:24, 48; 16:15, 33; 18:8). Many modern fathers and mothers are not what they should be, because religion is not the focus of the family.
God-built homes are where mothers and fathers are active and dedicated Christians. Those homes where there is only a ceremonial display of commitment will not long survive in this evil world. Those families where superficial service to Christ is the norm are not declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh. 24:15). Unfaithfulness and rebellion are rare in homes where parents are active and dedicated Christians.
Families that focus on the spiritual rather than the physical are strong families (Matt. 4:4). Let us remember that, among all of God's creation, we are at the highest level. He created male and female in His own image and likeness. We are spiritual beings and not merely physical (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Heb. 12:9; James 3:9). From this very fact, it is necessary that the needs of the soul must take priority. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God" (Ps. 42:1).
Too many families emphasize materialism. In Genesis 13:11, Lot made a big mistake: He chose for himself. Morality, and not materialism, must be what defines our homes. Let us develop the proper attitude about earthly things. While material things serve us, we must not serve them (Luke 16:9).
It is sad to say that some families are more concerned about gaining earthly treasures than saving lost souls, or even the spiritual status of their children. They seem uninterested in the salvation of the souls of their children. Material gain is their focus (Matt. 16:26). I have learned from the book of the wise man Solomon that there are three critical things on raising children (Prov. 22:6).
"There is a way a child goes." Genesis 18:19 teaches us that our Lord trusted the father to command his children and his household in the way of the Lord. There is a way a child must go and learn (Eph. 6:4). Teach them in the Lord's way while they are children; do not wait until they are get older (Eccl. 12:1-6). Parents should not forget this duty.
"It takes training and teaching—not instinct." It is shameful to find out that some parents encourage their children to be accomplished in school and the business world, and never direct them to God.
"Produces lasting results." I do not say that all bad children are the results of bad parenting, but I do believe that, if we emphasize spiritual matters in raising our children, we will usually be successful.
A spirit of contentment and thankfulness are seen in strong families (2 Tim. 3:2). I have encountered young people who grumbled whenever they are not given the latest brand of cellphones. They are complaining because the clothes they received did not have designer names. This is ingratitude and unthankfulness of the highest score. This attitude is often something learned at home. Successful families are not measured by what they have, but by what they are. Character and integrity are virtues rooted in the soul—not in material possessions. Let us learn to be content and thankful for what we have (1 Tim. 6:8). Let us learn to count the blessings and not the problems. Remember the words of the gospel song, "Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings and see what God has done" (cf. Ps. 40:5).
Having reached the age of forty in my life, I have often been called to study with and try to help families in crisis. Sometimes I have been part of successful efforts, but frequently, I see families fall apart. The reason is always the same: an unwillingness to abide by the teaching of God's word. Husbands are controlling and unloving because they refuse to be counseled by inspired scriptures. Wives become hostile and insubordinate because they refuse to be guided by the Holy Word. Children grow stiff-necked and rebellious, because they will not heed the teaching of God.
Strong churches need strong families. If we wish to establish strong and successful families, then we should apply these principles for success. Let God build our house. Always emphasize the spiritual over the physical. Learn to be content and thankful for what we have.
Author Bio: Jhun Bautista preaches the gospel in Cabanatuan City in the Nueva Ecija province of the Philippines. He can be reached at jhunbautista2005@yahoo.com.
