by Elder Aries de Vera
Reading for the day: 1 Timothy 3:15
Family is a precious gift, the cornerstone of society, and a foundational element in God’s plan. It’s a place where love flourishes, relationships are nurtured, and God’s presence is felt. As parents, spouses, and children, we each play a vital role in cultivating a home filled with faith. Because of its importance, we must actively work to strengthen and preserve the value of family, leading our loved ones to the source of true love, hope, and peace: God. The Bible offers clear guidance on how to achieve this.
We must actively work to strengthen and preserve the value of family.
How can we lead our families to God?
- Become Part of God’s Family (The Church): A strong, loving family is a blessing, but even greater is the blessing of belonging to God’s family which is the church (1 Timothy 3:15). Service and charity begin at home, and within the church, we find a place to serve God. As Acts 2:47 tells us, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Our goal should be to lead our families to be part of the church, to experience God’s love and salvation, and to serve Him together. For those whose families already serve, the focus should be on nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their knowledge of God. We must guide them through His words, helping them become rooted and grounded in faith, as how Apostle Paul encourages us in Colossians 2:7, “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
- Be an Example of Service to God: Like Joshua, a man of God who led his household to serve Him (Joshua 24:14-15), we must be examples of faith and service. Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” inspired the people to reaffirm their covenant with God. Parents should model faith and service, while children should not only honor their parents but also strive to be obedient servants of God. Living a life of holiness and service is a powerful way to lead our families closer to God.
- Grow in the Word of God and Live a Life of Prayer: Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The church provides an abundance of spiritual nourishment, and we should prioritize meditating and in continuous learning of His words. This year, we are encouraged to read and meditate on His words, ideally as a family. The SPA (Spiritual Place of Accord) Planner is a great tool to accomplish it. Furthermore, prayer is essential (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It’s God’s will for us, our families, and the church to cultivate it in our spiritual lives. Family devotions, like those held on Saturdays, provide a valuable opportunity to pray together. As a church, we must also pray for the needs of the community, for our leaders, and for the work of discipleship and evangelism.
- Promote and Observe the Church’s Apostolic Culture: Another effective way to lead our families towards a stronger and fruitful relationship with God is by carefully observing and actively promoting our apostolic culture. As a church, we must strongly adhere to our set of beliefs, values, customs, behaviours and doctrine. Through the ministry of the Goodman of the House, our late apostle, Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol we had been introduced to live a life of holiness and service. This is the same kind of lifestyle and culture that we continue to live by through the leadership of Apostle Jonathan Santos Ferriol. As the end-time church, we embrace the apostolic legacy that has been passed on to us. We are authority strong, unity driven, growth passionate and Jesus focus believers. We can enrich our apostolic culture when we pursue it in our lives and manifest it in our families (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
In my life, one of the things I am passionate about is to ensure that my family is serving God. I thank Him that even though we encounter different challenges in our lives, yet, His grace and blessings are abundant in us. We may not have all the riches in this world, but we have a treasure that means more to us. Our faith and relationship to God is what keeps our family strong and bonded together. What else can we ask for?
Reflection: What is your prayer for your family? What are your goals for them this year?
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