The family unit has a special place in the heart of God. From the beginning of times, we can observe His intention about the family institution through His “kind begat kind” principle of first mention, when He created everything in pairs of male and female, each with their companions. Companionship in marriage was and still is God’s prerogative from the beginning since He found no helper comparable to the man (Gen. 2:20). God put premium on the family institution that He himself set the solitary in families (Psa. 68:5). The blessings of God, as we observed, is usually upon a man and his family (Gen. 12:3, Josh 24:15).
Our world is constantly changing and there are rising challenges, which have influenced our family structures greatly. Today, there are issues around incest, rape, addictions, low self-esteem, juvenile delinquents, insecurities, and fear of the unknown confronting the family institution. Lifelong success is a dream everyone should share, whether you have made decision to get married or not. God wired us potentially to build strong families that will impact society. God also intends that believers would model Christ through their marriages to the world. We are to model truth, love, peace, and raise offspring in such atmosphere (Psa. 22:30, 127:3).
Stable societies will thrive with the basic understanding of the family unit from God’s perspective. Our mindsets about family must be the same as God’s because He started the concept of the family before any known civilization.
Strong individuals make up strong families, hence, strong societies. Most of the societal vices can be traced to the family units. But when families are healthy and operating the Word of God, we become a powerful force which tears down walls of prejudice, barriers of negative mindsets, to bring healing, restoration, to our immediate families and other families connected to us. God’s desire is that our families succeed, so we can assume the building blocks on which values for the larger society are set. There is a saying that is true to life by Mother Teresa of blessed memory: “if you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
A good family unit is not a happenstance. It requires great work from every stakeholder in the society. A good family structure is like a garden nurtured for a harvest of love, joy, harmony. It takes cooperation by all to achieve.
As we reflect on the various challenges in today’s family unit: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever wins respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovable, whatever is of good repute, if there is any virtue or anything deemed worthy of praise, cherish the thought of these things and the God of peace be with you all” (Phil. 4:8-9).
Ayo Daniels is a healthy family passionate who writes from Lagos.
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