The family is relentlessly under attack in our society today with the increased rate of divorce, sanction of same-sex marriage, and TV programs that depict the so-called modern family which only shows the negative side and certainly nothing religious. The first man Adam is the head of all the human family that has lived or ever will live, and we are all sinners by virtue of his transgression. Jesus Christ is the head of the family of God, and this family has been saved from their sins by the shed blood of their head (Jesus Christ) and are justified in the sight of God so that none can lay anything to the charge of this elect family. (Rom. 8:33). Jesus Christ gives instructions to govern His family while here on earth through the teaching of the gospel. This gospel tells us that the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church. Just as the church is subject to Christ so are the wives to be subject to their husbands. These are always male and female. The husband is the head of his natural family and is responsible for their natural and spiritual welfare. Not only are the wives to be subject unto him (in everything that is godly) but the children are also to be subject unto him. (Eph. 5:23-24).
The scriptures give us examples of those men that were over their families and the responsibility they took regarding their household or family. Abraham was called the friend of God and God knew he would fill his responsibility regarding his family. “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Gen. 18:19). The children of Israel were to teach the commandments of God diligently to their children as they rose up in the morning and went to bed at night. If the family is doing something wrong, the husband has the right to command that it be stopped as did Jacob concerning strange gods among his household. “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:” (Gen. 35:2). Joshua made a decision concerning serving the Lord that involved his whole household. It doesn’t matter what the neighbors are doing that should influence what we do; it is what the Lord requires and expects that is pleasing to Him. Joshua said, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh. 24:15). May the family always resonate throughout our land and society stop denigrating God and return to the basics of a Biblical family. Amen!–Jan. 19, 2012–Elder Larry Wise
