Family Driven-Faith

Alert the media, and call the neighbors- a new study released by the Florida Family Policy Council finds that children have fewer problems at school and home when they live with both biological parents and frequently attend religious services. Wow, who woulda thunk it?

Among their "remarkable" findings: children in this group are five times less likely to repeat a grade, less likely to have behavior problems at home and school, and are more likely to be cooperative and understanding of others’ feelings. Parents of these children report less stress, healthier parent-child relationships, and fewer concerns about their children’s achievement. These differences hold up even after controlling for family income and poverty, low parent education levels, race and ethnicity. Well, duh!

As we approach the new year, it might serve us well to get back to the basics and the foundations of our faith and recommit to obeying, serving and worshipping our Lord and Savior as the means to a fulfilled life and security, regardless of family make-up, as opposed to looking to new presidential administrations, politics, policies and financial gimmicks as the means of satisfaction in 2009.

As I continue to read and digest Voddie Baucham's fine book, Family-Driven Faith, with other families, which is based on a full-length exposition and application of Deu. 6:6-9, I'm reminded by Baucham that, "There is no magic bullet when it comes to raising godly children. There is however, a detailed road map." It should come as no surpise to you that the road map to success in life comes from the Bible itself. It means making a tough and courageous decision to re-order or prioritize you and your family's life around God's kingdom agenda according to His Word. It means things like: loving God 'with no rivals', learning to love as God loves at home, teaching and living the word at home and worshipping that very same God at your home church with your "blood" family (of brothers and sisters of the faith) and friends. Make that commitment today, and begin to watch God do some great things in your life as we live and look for His Son's return. Speaking of which, this Saturday night, we'll return to our conversation from 1 Thessalonians at SOS- see What's Up at S.O.S.

What do you think of New Year's Resolutions? Later this week, I'll share a few classic ones from a great mind of the church that can help guide your 2009. Stay tuned...