by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: While families bring great joy, they can create heartache. How should we react when sin and sadness invade the home?
Families are potentially a great blessing, but they can also be a source of considerable heartache. God instituted the family relationship, along with its roles and responsibilities, and His word should regulate our conduct (Gen. 2:18-24; Col. 3:18-21).
How marvelous it is when members of a household share the same faith and devotion (Ps. 127 & 128). How blessed it is when faith is handed down from one generation to the next (Ps. 78:1-4). How wonderful it is when the wife/mother reflects the qualities of a worthy woman (Prov. 31:26-31), and the husband/father evidences sacrificial and sanctifying love for his wife (Eph. 5:25-27), and together, they raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
We should be very thankful for the love and encouragement that is shared in such godly families. Consider the devotion of Ruth toward Naomi (Ruth 1:15-18; 4:13-17), and contemplate the guidance that Timothy received from Lois and Eunice (Acts 16:1-2; 2 Tim. 1:3-5; 3:14-15).
Some families are divided because of covetousness. Someone once said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." Our Lord reminded this petitioner about what constitutes an abundant life (Luke 12:13-15).
Some families are ripped asunder because of strife. It is better to live in the corner of a roof (or in a desert land) than with a contentious and vexing companion (Prov. 21:9, 19; cf. 27:15-16). Husbands should love their wives and not be embittered against them (Col. 3:19).
Some families are destroyed by divorce. By dealing treacherously against their wives, the men of Malachi's day thus covered the altar of the Lord with tears, weeping, and groaning (Mal. 2:13-16; cf. Matt. 19:3-9).
Some are shattered by infidelity: the adulteress leaves the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God (Prov. 2:16-19). Job describes the sly conduct of an adulterer, saying that he scurries about like vermin (Job 24:15-16).
Sadly, members of a family do not always share the same faith and devotion (Matt. 10:34-39; Luke 12:49-53). In times of tribulation, many will fall away (Matt. 24:10), and families may even betray one another (Mark 13:12-13).
In reality, most families are affected (directly or indirectly) by sin, and some are destroyed as a result (Josh. 7:10-15; Prov. 14:1). In such circumstances, may we understand that the problem is Satan and sin, not God or His word (Mic. 7:1-6).
Unbelief may be evident among our kin (Mark 3:20-21; John 7:1-5). However, we should never lose hope, because with changing circumstances, faith may replace unbelief (Acts 1:14; Gal. 1:18-19).
What about the "worst case" scenario? In times of prosperity, many see no need to serve the Lord—until it is too late. However, if any of our loved ones die in a lost condition, they do not want us to follow them into torment (Luke 16:19-31).
How can we be happy, knowing that some whom we love are lost? Perhaps the answer is found in another question: How can God be happy, knowing that many of His children are disobedient and defiant? Let us, therefore, leave such matters in the hands of the Lord: "Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!" "God is love" (1 John 4:7-18). He is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-4) who promises to wipe away all our tears (Rev. 7:16-17; 21:3-4).
Men and women are creatures of choice. We choose the path of obedience or rebellion, resulting in either a blessing or a curse (Jer. 6:16-19; 32:36-41). Yes, there is a high cost to discipleship (Matt. 10:37-39), but faithful followers of Jesus Christ gain far more than they lose (Mark 10:28-31).
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
