Morning Devotional
December  18, 2005
"Strong Families" (Part 3)         
    by Don Emmitte

You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly. You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. Fathers, don't aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying. (Colossians 3:18-21 NLT).

 

Yesterday in Part 2 of this mini-series we looked at several suggestions designed to make your family stronger. Today I will briefly list six things that you may concentrate on developing in your family. Each of these is a step in developing a very strong family.

 

1.      First, you should develop an unshakable commitment to family. This sounds so simple that it may be overlooked. However, there will be those times in your life when other things will vie for your attention and time. Family must be your first and greatest priority. Your devotion to God ought to be centered closest within this context.

2.      Second, your commitment will trigger spending time together as a family. This is not necessarily a formal gathering or outing, but time that is shared with one another. The old jag of quality versus quantity time spent with our families has often been an excuse for a poor commitment in this area. Our families need both.

3.      Third, communicate effectively with your family. Share your dreams, hopes and aspirations with them. I never knew how much my boys were listening all of those times when I would say something to them until years later they now remind me!

4.      Fourth, strong families express appreciation to each other. Another common complaint I hear from husbands and wives is this: "I feel taken for granted and don't feel appreciated." I am sure, too, that many children feel the same. It is so easy to say, "Thank you. I really appreciate your washing and ironing my shirts, cooking my meals, mowing the yard, cleaning up your room, leaving the bathroom tidy, taking out the garbage, bringing home the paycheck –but most of all I appreciate you just because you're you."

5.      Fifth, strong families are able to solve problems in a crisis. Mature people know that crises come to every family simply because we live in an imperfect world. And while crises often drive weaker families apart, they draw stronger families together and help make them stronger. The strong may bend under a crisis but not break, and they always bounce back.

6.      Sixth, successful families have a strong spiritual commitment. Research has found that strong families have a high degree of religious orientation and commitment. Not all belong to organized churches, but most do. They all consider themselves to be highly committed to their spiritual lives.

 

People then who have strong families are those who are committed to making their families strong. They work hard at communicating effectively. They spend time together. They express love and appreciation. They accept crises as normal and know how to work through them, and above all they trust in God and apply their faith to everyday living. I hope these help you in your quest for a strong family.