Family is spelled F-A-M-I-L-Y. Each letter holds an important quality. Let’s look at the letters and see how we can build a strong family.
F – Foundation
Build a solid foundation for your family. There are many ups and downs in life. Strength from a secure foundation will help your family stand strong.
How do you build a strong foundation?
- Have the Lord Jesus Christ as the foundation of your home.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” – I Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV
Try your best to keep your family focused on the Lord. When trials come you will be able to stand. It is never too late to build a foundation. You may have to work harder at it but the blessings will come.
A – Activities
Build upon your foundation by spending time together as a family doing activities. Time spent doing daily family devotions and having dinners together will help you to build strong walls. It is easy to let outside activities draw your family apart. Strive to do at least one fun activity together each week.
M – Memories
Make memories! Don’t let another day slip by without spending time together. The busyness of life is like a weed. It starts out small and then grows bigger and bigger. The fun memories that you can make as a family get choked out. Prioritize what is important to your family. Stay focused on that goal.
I – Important
Show your family that they are important. Take time to listen. Make eye contact and listen to what they are saying. Letting your mind wander will distract you from what they have to tell you.
Picture this in your mind. Johnny tells you he found a frog in the backyard. Your first thought is “I hope he didn’t bring it into the house.” If you listen to what he has to say you will find out that he watched the frog eat a bug. It was an amazing and important part of his day! You are important to him and he wanted to share this special memory with you.
Don’t miss out on small moments that are important to your family.
L – Love
Love is from God. 1 John 4:7 tells us “love one another: for love is of God”. Families often have disagreements. This should not keep us from loving each other.
The Bible tells of the prodigal son. “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”- Luke 15:20 KJV
Despite his son’s mistakes he loved him. Everyone makes mistakes. We can use them as a learning experience. Having someone love and help you through your mistakes will help you to learn and grow.
Y – Yourself
You are important to your family. They need you to be an example and teacher to them. Your priorities, values, and actions are being watched. Are you being a godly example?
Use the letters in FAMILY to build a strong family!
