Can we have happy homes? This is a question that is being ask quite frequently in our day. Because of the constant attacks of a liberal society, many parents have given up in frustration on ever having a happy home. I personally believe that happy homes are attainable, if we are willing to pay the price.
The first thing to understand is that happy homes are those which contain moral and spiritual values, what many today call family values. Homes without family values are like ships without rudders. They cannot be steered in the direction they should go. Therefore, to have a happy home, we must form values in the home. To have a happy home, the parents must accept their God given place as guides or leaders in the home. Specifically, the husband/father must accept his role as the head of the family (Ephesians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 11:3).
A major mistake made by parents is that of not being leaders. By this I mean they fail to set the example that is necessary for a happy home. As a rule, the general tone and demeanor of the home is established by the relationship between the husband and wife, long before children come upon the scene. For that reason, any of the points made in this article for forming values in the home, must be practiced by the parents first, then passed on to the children. The following are some things that every parent should practice and then teach their children.
The True Values of Life Are God-Centered
Matthew 6:20 says, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” The greatest danger our children face is the danger of thinking that obtaining material things is the purpose of life. Closely akin to this is the worship of the god of entertainment. All activities are judged by the standard of whether or not it is fun. And where do children get such ideas? Unfortunately, from parents.
Years ago, a congregation was concerned about losing their young people — one year as high as 74%. They surveyed and found that where both parents were faithful and active in attendance and support of the church, 93% of their children were faithful and active Christians. Where only one parent was faithful and active, 74% of the children were faithful. Where parents were reasonably faithful in attendance only, 54% of the children were faithful. Where parents only attended occasionally or one service a week, 6% of the children were faithful. If a doctor told you your child only had a 6% chance of living, or 54% for that matter, and you could save them by changing your life style, wouldn’t you?
To Have Respect For Home, Self, and Their Fellow Man
Proverbs 20:20 says, “He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.” There is nothing that destroys the beauty of a child quicker than when he/she is disrespectful to others, especially older people. In other words, disrespect makes a person bait for buzzards. Proverbs 30:17 says, “The eye that mocks a father, And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.”
To Be Obedient to the Authority and Superior Judgment of Parents
Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Children who are not taught to be under the authority of their parents, will reject all authority, civil authority as well as God’s. Parents who violate civil authority (Romans 13:1), have children who will violate their authority.
No one said that teaching children godly values was easy. I will admit, forming values in the home is difficult, but it is not impossible! Give your children something which will benefit them into eternity. Instill godly values in them so that they may stand strong against the forces of darkness. Why not begin today?
Kyle Campbell
