Then God said, Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
In the above passage God blesses the relationship between the man and his wife. He tells them to be "fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it" (v.28). This union would produce family life that would be the foundation for love, acceptance, and affirmation for all its members. However, in Genesis 3:1-6 (read the entire chapter), their emotional stability was compromised, which would inevitably affect their family life (Genesis chapter 4). They were deceived into forsaking their covenant with God and jeopardizing the spiritual, emotional, and social welfare of their marriage.
As a result, we are experiencing the affects of their decision in our families today due to self-centered thinking. This kind of attitude was conceived in Genesis 3:6, "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
The enemy of self-centered thinking hinders the unity and togetherness of all families, especially, those who are Christ-centered. The idea of the serpent (the devil), is to deceive the members of our families with over-consumptive and self-centered desires. He knows this will negatively affect the spiritual, moral, and emotional condition of our families. This kind of thinking can work in all parties (dad, mom, and children) unless there is a strong defense or stand from God's Word (Hebrews 4:12-13).
The dangers of ignoring or neglecting the emotional needs of our families can open the door to all sorts of problems. For starters, it can create emotional distance, which causes all members to drift and lose sensitivity toward one another. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to where time is spent and how much is dedicated for the family.
Let's face it, today's secular culture places so many demands upon us; therefore, it is important to organize time for spiritual and social interaction with our families. We must ever be so careful to make our families our number one priority. We cannot allow the challenges that we face each day to remove us from our place of loyalty and commitment toward family life. The wife needs her husband, the husband needs his wife, and the children need their parents. While we are trying to survive and get ahead the most important part of our lives could be slowly fading right from under us. One way to stay alert is to keep Genesis chapter three before our eyes.
It’s apparent the husband and his wife were not focused on the commitment made to their marriage and family life but “saw that the tree was good for food; and pleasant to the eyes; and a tree desired to make one wise,” which caused them to miss the bigger picture (Genesis 3:6). They could not see the affects their decision would have on their sons, Cain and Abel (Genesis chapter 4). The enemy of selfishness is still very much alive today and could be living in many Christian homes.
Too often we take for granted that we are emotionally together just because we are all together under the same roof. After all, we go to church together, spend social time together, etc. Yet, an entire family can still be absent of the deep emotional connection needed for the growth and welfare of its members.
When there is an absence of deep emotional connection with the husband, wife, and children whether through busyness or neglect, it will create voids that can become very unhealthy. When there is an absence of love, attention, and affection from family members the secular world, will in turn, offer perversion and sensuality as replacements (I John 2:15-17).
What could be more important than your family?
What would you trade for your family?
Each day we are making decisions that answer the aforementioned questions. In many Christian families it is possible that husbands/fathers are distant, out of touch, and overworked; wives/mothers may feel neglected and undervalued; and children could be attempting to deal with difficult situations on their own.
Each day we are making decisions that answer the aforementioned questions. In many Christian families it is possible that husbands/fathers are distant, out of touch, and overworked; wives/mothers may feel neglected and undervalued; and children could be attempting to deal with difficult situations on their own.
One solution would be to regularly sit down as a family and discuss everyone's emotional needs. You may discover that all members have various challenges and need the support of the entire family. Making time for family discussion is essential toward comprehending and understanding the importance of each member.
Second, it is healthy to evaluate our daily routines to ensure our families are receiving our best, and not our leftovers. You know, what's left after we have exhausted ourselves upon finishing with everything we wanted or needed to do in the day. If you notice signs of self-centered and selfish behaviors in your family, please do not ignore them. In most cases, it is not intentional; however, one can become so wrapped up into him/herself and become unaware of its affects on the family.
Third, it is essential that we live out our faith daily. We are to take our values directly from the Holy Bible, which becomes the foundation for practical living. Our lives are to have deep, rich, meaning and translation as it pertains to our faith. We are to maintain a strong conviction in God, as represented in His Son Jesus Christ, and by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, may we keep our focus on the priorities of family life and continue to pay close attention the needs of each member.
