Family – What Does It Mean To You?

By Cindy Eslinger

Did you know that August 2nd is Sisters Day? And August 11th is Son and Daughter Day. “Middle Child’s Day” is celebrated August 12th. These holidays have something in common – Family. By today’s standards, that word can mean many things to many people. Merriam-Webster defines family as: a group of people who are related to each other; a person’s children; or, a group of related people including people who lived in the past. It’s evident that family is important to many of us; but, does today’s culture teach us the true meaning of the word?

Fortunately, the concept of a family was created by God – an institution purposed by Him and planned for our benefit. God gave man the responsibility of stewardship over our families and He defined the basic, Biblical “family unit” as one man, one woman (his spouse), and their offspring or adopted children. The extended family may also include relatives by blood or marriage such as grandparents, nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. One of the foundational principles of the family unit is that it involves a commitment ordained by God for the lifetime of the members, and it’s designed to extend even beyond that lifetime!

Throughout the Bible, wise advice can be found for sustaining the family unit. Ephesians 5:22-26 provides instructions on how to be good husbands and wives.

“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love our wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…”

The book of Ephesians also gives instruction for fathers. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

Children aren’t ever left out of God’s plan. His desire for their Godly upbringing is evident in Ephesians 6:1-3, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” and “Honor your father and mother…” – which is the first commandment with a promise attached to it – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Both Ephesians and Proverbs give Godly instruction for our families. Through study and prayer, God’s plan for your family may become clearer and you may become closer in your desire for His will. Perhaps PTM can help guide your family to health and happiness through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.