IT ALL BEGINS IN THE HOME

SCRIPTURE:
Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue
forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with
your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever. 
(2 Samuel 7:29)

MEDITATION:
The family is the most important unit of society.
Members of a family learn the importance 
of having close relationships with each other.
As a result, each member can understand 
the importance of loving God and having a close relationship with Him.

It would be outstanding if every family member lives in a Christian home, 
but we know that it is not that way universally.
There are homes where parents set bad examples for their children 
and then are surprised, disappointed and/or angry 
when their children mimic their actions when they become adults.

The family and the home can never be what God expects 
if they ignore the biblical standards.
Children are not taught the importance of worshipping the Lord 
if they never see a sincere commitment by their parents 
to meet with other believers for worship.

Children are more observant than many may realize and if they observe 
their parents (or parent) living in sin, then they will grow up 
believing that some sinful things are okay.
Some parents aren't even discreet with their sinful lifestyle.
Imagine how confusing it is to a child when they witness a substance abusive 
or adulterous parent claiming to be a Christian while disobeying God's laws.

The Bible calls for discipline and a recognition of authority. 
This includes 
self-discipline by the parents and their respect for the authority of God.
If children do not learn these things at home, 
they run the risk of going out into society with low morals, 
and without proper attitudes toward authority.

As a result, they could have issues on their jobs, fail to accept 
responsibility for their actions, blame others for their failures, 
and become involved in sinful activities.
Of course there are exceptions, but the average tells us 
that a child is largely what the home has made him or her.

The best way to provide the right home for our children 
is to put the Lord at the top of our priority lists.
We might not have a great knowledge of the Bible and have concerns 
that we may not be spiritually mature enough to comfortably speak 
with our children about their relationship with the Lord.

However, we can show them our faith through our visible actions.
When they see the sincerity of our commitment to worshipping the Lord, then
they are learning the most important life lesson we could ever teach them.
Children are a blessing from God 
and we are responsible for the type of home we provide for them.

ACTION:
Are you creating a proper environment for your children?
Does your home revolve around you and your desires, 
or does it include concerns for the spiritual growth of your children?
Maybe your children are already grown and you made mistakes in creating 
a proper home that encouraged them to love God and respect His commands.

If so, then go to Lord and ask for His forgiveness.
Then pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you 
in rectifying your mistakes with your children.
The Spirit may encourage you to be honest with them about what they 
already know, and assuring them that God has changed you;
then, showing them through your actions how important God is to you.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me if I am not creating a proper home for my 
children. Show me the changes I need to make to correct my failures. If 
my actions have caused my children to believe that certain sins are 
acceptable, give me the wisdom and courage to talk to them about my 
mistakes. Father, help me to show my children through my actions that I 
love You as my Heavenly Father and I want them to love You as well. Thank 
You, Father, for Your forgiveness of my failures. Prevent me from any words 
or deeds that might hinder a child from loving You.”