Caution: Family Under
Construction
Years ago, it was
hard to find a family on television that had any real problems. From the Nelsons to the Cleavers, these
perfect units seemed to hit an occasional bump or two, only to find a happy
ending. Today, it’s hard to find a family
on television that does anything right. From
the “Parenthood” Bravermans to the “Up All Night” Brinkleys, the general idea
in Hollywood is
that everyone from parents to kids are dysfunctional, and disturbed. The truth is, most families are neither
perfect nor completely dysfunctional, but somewhere in between.
Whether we are talking about step-families, single-parent families,
foster families, adoptive families, or intact families, though they may vary in
size, shape, and stature, they are all more or less in process. The
reason that families are in process is because people are in process. Therefore, the family unit will always be
“under construction.”
In Steven Covey’s book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families,” he
offers a list of seven characteristics that define a family that is moving
toward growth. While secular in
nature, I’ve added scriptural texts to glean the origin of these divine processes:
1)
Habit
#1- Be Proactive (Ephesians 4:32)
Homes that learn to become proactive
rather than reactive are more inclined toward health. They act according to values rather than
react to emotions or the heat of the moment.
Thoughtful actions at tense moments add to a positive environment.
2)
Habit
#2- Begin With The End In Mind (Proverbs 29:18)
Like we mentioned in the January 1st
devotional, we need to create a compelling vision of what your family is and
where they want to go.
3)
Habit
#3- Put First Things First. (Matthew 22:37)
Make your family a priority through
weekly family nights and times together: which should involve planning,
problem-solving, teaching and fun.
4)
Habit
#4- Think “Win-Win” (Philemon 11)
Great damage is created in the
family climate by negative emotions such as competition, criticism, blaming,
and anger. Model and teach creative
cooperation within the home, so that everyone wins.
5)
Habit
#5- Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood (James 1:19)
One of the greatest problems in
homes today is that people are dying to be understood; yet few take the time to
understand. Empathetic listening changes
that.
6)
Habit
#6- Problem Solve (Matthew 18:15-17)
Become creative at handling
challenges so that everyone moves forward
7)
Habit
#7- Sharpen The Saw (Joshua 24:15)
Review family traditions and
implement special times together that everyone can enjoy. Vacationing, serving, working, and
worshipping together create lasting bonds.
What’s true for a
home family is also true for God’s family, to which every professing believer
belongs. Paul says in Galatians 6:10,
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let
us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of
believers.” You might call it a “win-win proposition.”
Terry Risser
Reflections:
1)
Which principle above would help your home
the most?
2)
Read the verse attached to it and make it
your prayer today
Consider reading the word today:
Copyright 2014- Terry Risser
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