The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS/Is There a Secret to Family Happiness?

THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS

Counsel on how to achieve happiness in the family is offered from all sides.  In the West, a never-ending stream of self-help books and magazines offer advice.  the problem is that human counselors contradict one or another, and what is fashionable counsel today may be viewed as unworkable tomorrow.

Where, then, can we look for reliable family guidance?  Well, would you look to a book completed some 1,900 years ago? Or would you feel that a book like this must be hopelessly out-of-date?  The truth is, the real secret of family happiness is found in just such a source.

That source is the Bible. According to all the evidence, it was inspired by God himself. In the Bible we find the following statement:   "All Scripture is inspired of God and  beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness."  (2 Timothy 3:16)  In this publication we will encourage you to consider how the Bible can help you to 'set things straight' when handling the stresses and problems facing families today. 

If you are inclined to dismiss the possibility that the Bible can help to make families happy, consider this:  The One who inspired the Bible is the Originator of the marriage arrangement.  (Genesis 2:18-25)   The Bible says that his name is Jehovah.   (Psalm 83:18)  He is the Creator and 'the Father, to whom every family owes its name.'  (Ephesians 3:14, 15)  Jehovah has observed family life since mankind's beginning. He knows the problems that can arise and has given counsel for solving them. Throughout history, those who sincerely applied Bible principles in their family life found greater happiness. 

For example, a housewife in Indonesia was a compulsive gambler. For years she neglected her three children and regularly quarreled with her husband.  Then she started to study the Bible. Gradually the woman came to believe what the Bible said.  When she applied its counsel, she became a better wife.  Her efforts, based on  Bible principles, brought happiness to her entire family. 

Next time: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS/ Is There a Secret to Family Happiness? - Conclusion of THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS

From the book The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS