Securing a Lasting Future for Your Family

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." He that has greater affection for father or  mother than for me is not worthy of me; and he that has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.  And whoever does not accept his torture stake  and follow after me is not worthy of me.   (Matthew 10:35- 38)   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 served 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 fine 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 leaven 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 and 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: Securing a Lasting Future for Your Family/THE FAMILY AND YOUR FUTURE

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS