THE FAMILY THAT DOES GOD'S WILL

A Christian's whole life is centered on doing the will of God.  (Psalm 143:10) This is what godly devotion really means. Doing God's will helps families to keep their eyes on the truly important things. (Philippians 1:9, 10)  For example, Jesus warned:  "I came to cause division, with a man against his father and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man's enemies will be persons of his own household."  (Matthew 10:35, 36) True to Jesus' warning, many  of his followers have been persecuted by family members.  What a sad, painful situation!  Still, family ties should not outweigh our love for Jehovah God and for Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10:37-39)  If one endures despite family opposition, the opposers may change when they see the good effects of godly devotion. (1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1, 2)  Even if that does not happen, no lasting good is gained by ceasing to serve God because of opposition.

Doing God's will helps parents to make right decisions. For example, in some communities parents tend to view children as an investment, and they count on their children to care for them in their old age.  While it is right and proper for grown children to care  for their aging parents, such a consideration should not make parents direct their children to a materialistic way of life. Parents do their children no favor if they bring them up to value material possessions more than spiritual things. -1 Timothy 6:9. 

A find example in this regard is Eunice, the mother of Paul's young friend Timothy.  (2 Timothy 1:5) Although she was married to an unbeliever, Eunice, along with Timothy's grandmother Lois, successfully raised Timothy to pursue godly devotion. (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) When Timothy was old enough, Eunice allowed him to leave home and take up the Kingdom -preaching work as Paul's missionary companion.  (Acts 16:1-5) How thrilled she must have been when her son became an outstanding missionary!  His godly devotion as an adult reflected well on his early training. Surely, Eunice found satisfaction and joy in hearing reports of Timothy's faithful ministry, even though she probably missed having him with her. -Philippians 2:19, 20.

Next time: THE FAMILY AND YOUR FUTURE

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996