THE FAMILY-A Human Necessity

Value of Bible Education

In a united Christian family, the importance of regular Bible study is also stressed.  Daily discussion of Bible texts and a weekly study of Sacred Scriptures provide a basis for a united family.  Basic Bible truths and principles should be discussed together in a way that stirs the hearts of all in the family.

Such family sessions should be educational but at the same time enjoyable  and encouraging.  A family in the north of Sweden used to have the children write down questions that came up during the week.  These questions were then discussed at the weekly Bible study.  The questions were often deep and thought-provoking and proved  to be a reflection of the children's thinking abilities and appreciation of Bible teachings.  Some questions were:  "Does Jehovah make everything grow all the time, or did he do it just once?"  "Why does the Bible say that God is not a man?"  Why does the Bible say that God created man 'in his image'  since God is not a man?"  "Didn't Adam and Eve freeze during the winter in Paradise since they were barefoot and didn't have any clothes?"   "Why do we need the moon at night when it should be dark?"  The children are now grown and are serving God as full-time ministers.

When handling family problems, you parents do well to strive to be positive and cheerful.  Be considerate and flexible, yet consistent, when it comes to heeding important principles.  Let the children see that love for God and his right principles always governs your decisions.  The school environment is often very stressful and depressive, and the children need much encouragement in the home to counterbalance such an influence.

Parents do  not pretend to be perfect, admit mistakes and apologize to your children when necessary.  Young people, when Mom and Dad admit a blunder, grow in love for them. -Ecclesiastes 7:16.

Yes, a united family provides a home of peace, security and happiness.  The German poet Goethe once said:  "He is happiest, king or peasant, who finds his happiness at home."  For appreciative parents and children, there should be no place like home.

True, the family is severely threatened today by the pressures of the world in which we live.  But since  the family is from God, it will survive.  Your family will survive, and you will too if you follow God's righteous guidelines for happy family life.

Next time:A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLE

Watchtower, 1998