Greetings,
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
When purchasing a house, most people immediately begin looking for ways to make it reflect their family’s character and tastes. Maybe they will update it to make it more modernly convenient or even tear down or construct a new wall. It is expected and natural to make a used purchase your own.
Last week I introduced our discussion on being a part of the family of God. We are all aware that the definition of family has been shifted to mean something different than the way it's defined in the Bible, the oldest authority for the definition of family in the world. Today, much work has been done to expand and redefine the biblical definition of family, in part because it doesn’t line up with the lifestyles of some folks who thought it to be antiquated, outdated and not inclusive. This redefined family has now become deeply integrated into fabric of the modern American culture and even in many young believers' concepts of family.
Before we dive into the definition of family, I would like to recognize that our American culture has always been one that shifts and reforms itself. We find ourselves at this very moment to be in what I think will be a culturally redefining moment. Since around the mid 1960s, our culture has valued accentuating personal entitlement and public accusations. The few who desire to redefine family, have--in my opinion--confused the independent and personal freedom of people to redefine their own family individually, with a personal entitlement to demand public redefinition for the general population.
To put it another way, purchasing a house and updating it for your personal wants is expected in order to make it your home. However, entering into an ancient and revered public cathedral and deciding what walls should be torn down to make the building more inclusive, might be a topic of conversation, but should most definitely be challenged. This is especially true if we are talking of moving a load bearing wall, foundational for the structure of society, like the family. Instead, those that challenge this change are met with accusations. Many people find themselves figuratively sitting in wait for the structure to fall down.
There is a reason why the Lord made it clear for us to communicate God’s expectations in our homes regularly, as it serves to anchor the family firmly to the foundations found in scripture. We will find that the scriptural principles for the family are just as relevant, true and unchanging today as they have always been.
Love ya,
Chris