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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 1, NUMBER 45, DECEMBER 9, 2001 THINKING ABOUT THE FAMILY What is the foundational unit of society as designed and created by God? The answer to that question is the family. In Genesis 2 we read some of the specifics of the creation account given in chapter 1. Included in Genesis 2 is the beginning of the family with Eve being created as a suitable companion for Adam and the two of them being brought together and joined together by God. They were given the charge to "be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth." (Gen. 1:28) In this we see the formation of the basic unit of society. It has always been true that the welfare of man on earth has risen and fallen with the recognition of the importance of that basic family unit. I say that because the emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs of every individual begin to be met in that family relationship as God designed it. It is in the home that the most important truths must be instilled. It is in the home that respect and love for God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler must be formulated. It is in the home that the principles of right and wrong, respect for authority, ethical standards, and personal responsibility must be taught. This truth is found in both the Old and the New Testaments. Deuteronomy 6: 6 & 7, tells us, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Ephesians 6:4, puts it so simply with the words, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Any time, and to the same degree, that the most important truths of life fail to be taught in the home, society as a whole will suffer. Sadly enough, any of the bad things that happen in society seem to sooner or later make their way into the church. No thinking Christian can deny that the general breakdown of the family unit in our society has begun to manifest itself more frequently within the body of Christ. We are seeing more unhappy families, more unruly children with no interest in spiritual things, more abuse of different kinds, more worldliness, more divorce. We, whose responsibility it is to shine forth as lights in the world (Matt. 5:16), are in many instances allowing the world to exercise the greater influence. What can be done? There is only one answer to the problems so many of us face in our families today. We must follow the blueprint of the architect of the family, God. He designed it. He created it. If any one would learn how to be a better husband, provider, father, and companion - let that person turn to God's Word. All of the principles and precepts needed to function in every relationship we sustain in the family are there. Is it the desire of a woman to learn to be a godly wife, a mother, a best friend to her spouse? Then let her study God's Word and find every answer that she needs within its pages. Does a son or a daughter want to be the very best son or daughter they can be, the very best person they can be? Such will not happen by following the example of the world. It will happen by learning and clinging to God's Word. David wrote in Psalm 119: 9, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word." Oh, brethren, what God's word has to say about the family, and each member in it, is not trite nor antiquated. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). There is nothing like the Word of God. It is absolutely unique and it is through its precepts that we get understanding. (Psalm 119:104) I would not dare to present myself as an expert on the family, but God is; and over the next several weeks we are going to be examining, in very plain language, how principles found in God's Word apply in our families. I will write the articles with an open heart and great respect for God's Word. Please read them the same way. Greg Litmer THE TOPICAL BIBLE STUDIES When I first arrived at Northern Kentucky last January, I was surprised by the Topical Bible Studies. Experience had taught me that in many places those kinds of discussions could not be peacefully conducted and could generate more harm than good. That was not the case here. However, experience has also taught me, along with the principles of God's Word, that the first time we get to thinking that something cannot or will not happen - it does! Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Therefore my continued prayer will be that we all approach these discussions
that can be so valuable, with the right attitude. I will pray that no one gets
upset, including me, and that no one will feel compelled to push their view to
an inappropriate degree. I don't anticipate a single problem, but then again, no
one ever does. INFLUENCE A young man was asked to preach for a certain congregation at the last minute. On sudden impulse he used as his text: "Thou shalt not steal." The next morning he stepped on the bus and handed the driver a dollar bill. The driver gave him his change. He stood at the rear of the bus and counted the change and found a dime too much. His first thought was, "The bus company will never miss this dime," but quickly realized he could not keep money that did not belong to him. He made his way to the front of the bus and said to the driver, "You gave me too much change." To his surprise, the driver replied, "Yes, a dime too much. I gave it to you on purpose. You see I heard your sermon yesterday and I watched in the mirror while you counted your change. If you had kept the dime, I would never have had confidence in your preaching." What a tragedy if he had done the wrong thing. Remember our influence. Our shadow self may fall where we can never be. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:13 - 16) Author unknown.
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