THE IMPACTFUL FAMILY (2)

“For I have chosen him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord” – Genesis 18:19a

Making God the Foundation and Fulcrum is Key to building THE IMPACTFUL FAMILY: “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Gen.18:19). Centering the family on God ensures that the effort put into it is not fruitless or in vain. The issue of the family is critical because everything else depends on it. Families make up churches, and broken families contribute to broken churches, which then leave a broken impact on our society.

Helping families to function God’s way is therefore a kingdom priority. In these times when the family is incessantly under attack, one primary way we are going to be able to protect our families from the enemy’s onslaught is seeking help from our God and from His Book. Today’s meditation passage speaks to God choosing Abraham so that he would lead his family in righteousness and receive God’s promises. This suggests that a family’s destiny is linked to passing down obedience to God through generations. Essentially, Abraham learned there are three things that are necessary to protect the family.

First, he had to give his family a sense of destiny. This world is full of distractions but very little purpose. We must be able to see beyond ourselves to future generations and implant in our children God-glorifying goals. This involves focusing on His purpose and promises. By building a legacy of faith, service, and righteousness, purpose is fulfilled for generations to come.

Second, God told Abraham that he would have to lead his children in the pathway of discipline, commanding them in the way of the Lord. There is a direct link between the unruliness and rowdiness of this generation and the absence of spiritual leaders in the home. Unless this trend is reversed, the deterioration of the family is inevitable. But the Mercy of God will speak!

Finally, Abraham was to offer his children a sense of dignity by teaching them righteousness and justice. As believers, our children must never forget that they’re recipients of God’s Grace, and that they are to serve others, especially those who are hurting and those who have never had the privilege of living with parents. Before we can expect this of them, however we as a family must actively show grace to others. So not only must we to protect our families from the influence of the world, but we must also equip them to positively impact their world for God’s Glory.