Understanding the Family

Why is the family so important?

Paul J. Bucknell

There have always been to some degree or other confusion over the importance and make–up of the family. With the power and influence of governments and philosophies of men, the ability to remake the concept of the family has grown. Is the family a static concept or a evolving one with the understanding and environment of mankind? Although these questions seem radical to some, they are at the root of what is now being promoted as a new society or neighborhood family.

God has said much about the family in the scriptures. He actually made the family. The family holds in it many special means by which love, truth and security are passed on and distributed throughout the world. Sometimes we think of the family as a manmade institution that can be changed as desired. Actually, we see that the family is designed to mimic the pattern of the church, or vice–a–versa. Or perhaps we can say that the spiritual family uses the same principle of physical families. When we look at the family in this way, we instantly see God's design on the family. Note the chart of the familes below.

GOD'S DESIGN OF THE FAMILY

Physical Family

Spiritual Family - The Church

Group oriented

They live together around a common marriage and birth connection.

Group oriented

They assemble together around a common confession of Christ and new-birth connection.

Authority controlled

Each family has the parents who are designated as having authority over the children (members).

Authority controlled

Each assembly of believers has the elders who are designated as having authority over the members.

Respect for authority

Each child needs to obey and respect their parents.

Respect for authority

Each church member is responsible to obey their rulers (elders or in some churches deacons) who God has placed over them.

Member responsible

Each member of the family has a responsibility to care and share with each other so that each members needs are met.

Member responsible

Each church member has a responsibility to care and share with each other so that no member has any needs.

Goal oriented

The children are trained to carry on the vision, work and character that the father deems is right.

Goal oriented

Church members are trained to be like Christ, carrying out His mission in life, words and deeds.

Hoping for growth

The family hopes for more children. Children are a blessing and are eagerly sought after.

Hoping for growth

The church looks forward to more and more people to join their spiritual family through spiritual adoption.

Exponential growth

As the children grow, they get married and form their own independent families.

Exponential growth

As the local church grows, they get large enough to start other 'daughter' congregations reaching out to the lost.

Ruled by love

Forgiveness, grace and love enable the family members living close together to create happy memories.

Ruled by love

Forgiveness, grace and love enable the believers to work alongside each other in love, creating wonderful memories of God's work in and through them.

Discipline

If a child misbehaves or has an inappropriate attitude, the child is through discipline trained to respect and obey authority.

Discipline

If a church member is slack in obedience to Christ, the elders must bring that person into conformity with Christ's standards even using church discipline when necessary.