The Importance of Family

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”

Proverbs 4:12–19

Do whatever it takes to make your children a priority in your life.

What is the most important ministry a person can have? Is it with their coworkers at work? Perhaps it’s with the adult class they teach at church. Or maybe through the hospitality committee they lead. But truthfully, if you were to choose one ministry to focus all your attention and effort on, you could choose none more important than the ministry of your family.

Think on the following prayer a parent once wrote for their child:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this child that I call mine; not my possession but my sacred charge. Teach me patience and humility so that the best I know may flow in its being. Let me always remember that for love I must give love, that for understanding I must give understanding, that for respect, I must give respect; that as I was the giver of life, so must I be the giver always. Help me to share my child with life and not to clutch at it for my own sake. Give courage to do my share to make this world a better place for all children and my own.

While your ministry at church and with others shouldn’t be taken lightly, your family and children are your first priority in life. God has given you the responsibility of raising your children. Just as Solomon took time to teach his children godly principles, as seen in Proverbs 4, so God desires that you would take time from your schedule to train and nurture your children.

We all have busy lives. Our schedules are hectic and sometimes it feels as if we can’t get everything done that needs to be done. Too often parents sacrifice time with their children for working overtime, being with friends, or just “relaxing.” Realize the danger in neglecting time with your child. They may not show signs of such neglect, but the neglect will soon shine through.

Make your family a priority in your life. Do whatever you must to make sure your children are receiving adequate time with their parent and that you’re teaching them how to become godly young people. Take time off work, spend extra time with them at night, skip out on a fun activity with friends. No sacrifice is too great to ensuring your children know they are loved.