A Focus on Family

By Paul Chappell

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach."

1 Timothy 3:1-2

The story is told of two riverboats that were set to race down the Mississippi River to see which was faster. Both started out and when one pulled ahead, the captain of the losing vessel commanded his first mate to begin feeding the fire with all the wood they had. The vessel began gaining ground but soon the first mate informed the captain the ship was out of fuel. Desperate to win, he directed his crew to begin tearing off pieces of the boat to use as fuel. The ship continued to gain ground and even pulled ahead, but at what cost? At the end of the course, the ship was ruined.

Many in our day strive to advance their own interests, but at the cost of hurting their family in the process. Whether you are a pastor, Sunday school teacher, choir member, or parent, your first ministry in life is your family. The church can hire another pastor, but God only gives you one husband or wife, one family.

Realize the extreme importance of family in your life. Getting ahead at work means little if you lose time with your children. Becoming the best in your field gains nothing if your children turn aside from God's will. Ask yourself this-is your job, hobby, or desires worth losing your family?

Being a parent comes with high responsibility. God desires that you will train your child in His commands and guide them into a loving relationship with Him. You can't do that if you aren't actively involved in your child's life. Your family needs you. Ask the Lord to help you make family one of your top priorities this week.