Over the last few decades, people’s idea of family has changed pretty dramatically. As broken homes increase at exponential rates, our culture has normalized this trend, now recognizing it as the standard instead of the exception. In fact, in recent years the divorce rate in Christian homes has superseded non-Christian homes.
As the children of second, third and even fourth generation broken homes set about shaping their own families, the gaps they need to close grow painfully wider. Family dysfunction is on the rise as family values are eroding. Countless parents and children have emerged from painful environments battle-weary and completely lacking any context of what a healthy, balanced family dynamic looks like.
What hasn’t changed, though, is the longing that each of us has for deep connections with those we love. Who among us doesn’t desire unconditional love able to withstand the toughest storms of life?
Rich, genuine relationships that stand the test of time have the power to transform a mere house into a true home.
It all boils down to relationship. Our ability to build, maintain, grow and even heal our relationships. These skills must be taught and modeled through intentional choices and a Godly blueprint.
When parents express unconditional love, schedule time for their children, focus attention on them, look into their eyes, maintain ongoing communication, have fun together, and pray together; it’s like putting money in a relational bank. And that investment gains a lot of interest over time.
This month we begin House or Home? Eight Essentials for Building a Close-Knit Family. We’ll look to Ephesians 5:21 – 6:3 as the “model home” for Godly families. As we explore the scriptural foundation for family, we’ll discover a model for living together in ways that enrich your day-to-day life.
This series is more than a pragmatic guide about improving relationships. How we live in our families reflects God’s relationships with His people, and God has chosen the family as His metaphor. When our families live in a way that honors our relationship with God, we are an expression of His grace, love and forgiveness to our world. When our families fall into confusion and disarray, that foundational building block is undermined.
It’s time to go back to the blueprint – won’t you join me?
Keep Pressin’ Ahead,
Chip Ingram
Written By
Chip Ingram
Founder & Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge
Chip Ingram is the CEO and teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip has a unique ability to communicate truth and challenge people to live out their faith. He is the author of many books, including The Real God, Culture Shock and The Real Heaven. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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