Family

Time is required for a group of people to actually become a family. Today, many people are families in name only and spend absolutely no time together. They think that they are family because they bore children and they share the same bloodline and last name. But becoming a family is so much more. Healthy families make a point to spend time together. And strong families consistently reflect three basic traits. They trust in God, they provide teaching, training, and sharpening one another, and they practice togetherness. It's also interesting to note that many strong families are 'advid campers.' They have learned to break away from the noise and tech of society and spend time together in the wilderness, talking and cooking over an open fire.

Deut 6:1-2 declares, "These are the commands the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children, and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping the commands that I give you, so that you may enjoy long life." Parents need to verbally teach their children about God and spend time with their family speaking of spiritual matters.

Raise your children in the commands of the Lord that you may enjoy long life and happiness. Teach them to love God and honor His Word that they may never depart from biblical truth. Train them up to honor God and their families. The promise is that God will remind them of their upbringing and give them grace to make a decision to follow Him. Even if your kids are now grown, take time to remain a 'family' with your spouse.