Family First

Family First (what I also call “Fighting for the Family”) was a conference we recently held here in the church.  I believe that this topic is so important. It is vital to recognize that the very fiber of the structure of America and even civilization itself is based upon the family unit. Since the beginning of time, mankind has built society and every culture on the principles of one husband, one wife and the children. In other words…. The family.

Matthew 18:19&20, “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” 

As you can see from these verses, the Christian family fits the description of the “two or three.” That means that they have a built-in ability to have the power of God flowing in their midst. God manifests Himself in the midst of the family. God is pro-family! 

Unfortunately, throughout history and especially in this hour, we see the family constantly attacked and decimated. We need to understand that Satan’s number one target is the family. He starts with the wife and the husband by trying to create division between them. If he can keep the parents fighting, the children are put in a vulnerable position. And if he can take out one or both of the parents, the children are left with an “orphan spirit.” 

We have a lot of adults today that deal with an orphan spirit because their mother and father were never really in their life fulfilling their parent role. They didn’t get the nurture, love, discipline and acceptance that they needed. 

Let’s fight for the family today; not just only for our own. Let’s fight for the families that are within the sphere of our influence. How do we do that? 

Number one: We need to truly recognize in our heart that families are important to God.  

Number two: We should always look for opportunities to encourage husbands and wives to stay in their covenant relationships. If they are struggling with physical, emotional or spiritual issues, let’s offer help to ease their burdens. We need to pray for them. 

Number 3- We must reach out to children, the forgotten generation. Remember that Jesus always had children always around Him. 

Mark 10:13-16, “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.  He said “suffer not the little children come to me for such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Mark 9:24, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”

I think these verses say it all! Jesus wants us to care for, love and reach out to children. It is against God’s heart to say things like “children should be seen and not heard.” Our attitude has to change, our way of life has to change and the way we do church has to change. Children and families need to be the center of our attention and our focus.

Let’s fight for the family today. Let’s put it first in our hearts. Let’s put it first in our Christian life. Let’s put it first in our warfare. Let’s take back America by once again taking our families back for Jesus.