A Godly Home

Family

The term family is defined as the basic "unit" of society. A unit is a group of individuals that together constitute a "whole." As individuals, we are weak... but as a unit, we are strong. It is true that there is strength in numbers. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But woe to those who are alone for when they fall they have no one to help them".  

A strong, Godly family can accomplish great things. Satan knows the value of the family, how it is the fabric of a good solid society, the foundation of vibrant growing assemblies, and the future of God's work on earth. If Satan can be successful in tearing down the structure and substance of the family unit, then he will be successful in damaging what is dear to God's heart. 

Satan's initial attack on mankind and the family occurred in the Garden of Eden. Remember, man was created in the "image and likeness of God" (Genesis 1:27); therefore, Satan hates us. It was in the Garden that Satan worked his deception and destroyed the harmony of the first marriage. In disobeying God, Adam and Eve plunged themselves into slavery in the "kingdom of darkness." 

Notice the serpent "between" Adam and Eve in the picture above? Satan's tactic has always been to "Divide and conquer." 

Satan's attack on the family continues today. There are signs of his handy-work all around us. He is very busy trying to bring to pass divorce, marital problems, sibling rivalry, division between parents and children, and family strife. 

Divide 

and

Conquer!

'Divide and conquer' is a classic military strategy, one in which Satan utilizes himself in spiritual warfare. The concept is to separate a larger force into smaller pieces making the enemy weaker and more vulnerable to multiple attacks; thus, making it more manageable to conquer! 
God's Word says, "It is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). Isolation is critical in war. Satan likes to cut off/separate and isolate us... that way it's easier to weaken us and claim victory.

We must be alert and watchful for Satan's tactics. A strong, Godly family that walks in love is a major threat to the enemy. God's plan is agreement, harmony, and unity - a family joined together as one whose purpose is to do the will of the Father. Mercy needs to be abundant in our homes. Minor issues should be overlooked.

Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, "A family that prays together stays together. If they stay together, they will love each other... just as God has loved each one of them. And works of love are always works of peace".

Allow Jesus to be the Head of every area of your home. Have some house rules that get everybody involved in keeping the home a place of peace. Here are some tips from Joyce Meyer on peaceful living:

1. Speak in voice tones that bring peace. Avoid being harsh.

2. Build each other; don't tear down. Be positive.

3. Work together to keep order.

4. Have fun together on a regular basis. Laugh - it's good medicine!

5. Be merciful, freely forgiving because God has freely forgiven each of you.

6. Be slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen.

7. Be slow to take offense.

8. Judge not.

9. Arrange your schedule, so you don't have to hurry all the time.

10. Don't worry!

If there is conflict in your family - forgive one another, pray for one another, and leave it to God to transform hearts! There is nothing our God cannot do! Satan would love you to forever hold on to offenses. He loves to nail grudges, bitterness, and resentment on the doorway of our hearts. But don't let him... Instead, follow God's word...

Father,

I pray for your love and grace to fill the hearts and homes of every family in the world. Wherever there is conflict, I pray you rain peace. Wherever there is cruelty, I pray you rain kindness. Wherever there is hopelessness, I pray you rain hope. Wherever there are wounds, may you mend them with your love. In Jesus name, I pray you protect every family from the attacks of the evil one and bring them all to the knowledge of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen.