Family. Origin, contemporary challenges and the key element to success

Family is something quite simple. Any child can define what a family means. Yet there is much debate and misunderstanding on this subject. This post will lead you to reflect on how the family came about, the contemporary challenges and the key element to its success.

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The history of origins

We find the history of the origins of the family in the book of Genesis. At the beginning of the Bible, the narrative of the descent of mankind shows us that God formed man and woman to relate to each other and also to Him. The first couple, Adam and Eve, had their children and from them all mankind grew.

This account is given in few succinct sentences. But especially the story of how the first family was formed is summarized in the Bible in only 3 verses, which we analyze here:

The very first wedding

First, God blessed the union between man and woman:

‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. ‘

Genesis 2:24

The definition of marriage, then, is also quite simple: a man and a woman decide to unite in loyal love for a lifetime. They become one flesh as the biblical text says, that is, two lives merge into one. This union is not supposed to be for a shorter period than the rest of their lives. It also does not match between the same genres. Nor should it have any other motivation than to fulfill God’s original purpose for marriage, which is to prosper and perpetuate the family.

In addition, marriage involves cutting the umbilical cord between parents and children. An increasingly common practice is for children to marry but remain dependent on parents, especially for finances. That was never God’s idea. And it does not characterize a healthy marriage. Many complications integrate a marriage that is not simple, as God created to be. Children must necessarily leave the home and financially dependent on their parents.

Planning the children

The next verse refers to the planning of the heirs. Somehow Adam knew he would soon be a father. He called his wife Eve, which means life or mother of life.

‘The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. ‘

Genesis 3:20

Just as my parents and in-laws asked when the grandchildren would come when I married Rapha, Adam knew there would be descendants. As we have seen, man has never been less intelligent or known than he is today. There is even a tendency toward dependence on technology and less use of human intelligence. The fact is that Adam knew and wanted to have children.

This is also the desire of God Himself that the family grow in number and unity. That is why marriage takes place between a man and a woman, for that is the perfect match for God’s plan to be fulfilled. Anything other than this is opposed to God and his plan for a successful family.

Rick Warren, author of the best-selling The Purpose Driven Life, says your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He was not at all surprised by your birth. In fact, he expected it..

The Intimacy Environment

Finally, the man and the woman relate sexually and have the first baby. The family is formed.

‘Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord .” ‘

Genesis 4:1

Sexual intercourse is an intimate act planned for marriage. In addition to reproduction, it is also a gift from God for protection, satisfaction, and greater knowledge among the couple. And this is also simple and accessible. Earlier adolescents and even children begin early in sexuality, generating a family crisis for both the previous generation and the future generation.

Although the formal institution of marriage took place only in the 16th century by the Catholic Church, the Bible is quite clear in showing us that intercourse must take place within the safe and expected environment of marriage. The guidance is clear, for there is a unique beauty in this subject that can not be lost.

How to face the challenges

Challenges within the family have been reported for millennia. We will have chance to talk more about it soon, but a list that deserves attention and care when thinking about your family is:

• Family financial management
• Communication inside the home
• Sexuality of the couple
• Attention with the children

John Tranel, Dean of Families at Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI), says it is not the presence of conflict that will determine the success or failure of your family. It’s the way you deal with conflict. It can become a stepping stone or a stumbling block.

In this way, we realize that God created the family a strong and simple institution. If you only understand the value of unity to your family, nothing will resist you. Nothing will prevent the success of your marriage, your children and your surname from being honored. By focusing on the unity of your home, you will have the opportunity to intentionally eliminate all distractions and invest in a family that lives a legacy of love.

‘This is all that I have learnt: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.’

King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 7:29 GNB

Keep the word unity in your heart. You will find different opportunities to invest in your spouse and children. From the moment you are together in the same direction, the result will be God’s favor and blessing growing upon your family.

Successful family

In this way, regardless of what the media has disclosed or even the current reality of your home, the truth is that your family has everything to be happy and successful. Yes, far beyond your marriage and children, believe that your offspring will live united, in health and prosperity. So embrace the life God has prepared for you and your family. Just as he changed the history of my family, he will do for yours too!

Prayer: God I accept the life of success that You have for my family. I repent for my failures and ask for your forgiveness. I believe in my heart and declare with my mouth that Jesus is welcome in my life and family, today and forever. Amen.