Earlier in the month I attended a family and church conference. The emphasis was on family and church reform. To reform must mean there was an original form to begin with, then at some point that form was distorted. This begs the question what does it mean to reform the family, it means we must turn to the scripture and return to the original form that God intended for the family. The original form can be seen in such verses as Gen 1:28, 9:1, 18:18-19, Deut 30:19-20 32:45-46, Prov 1:8, 7:1,23:26,31, Eph 6:4, Matt 18:10. These scriptures reference either the correct form or warnings against the incorrect ideas of a Godly family. Most of our ideas about family have come from what we have experienced in our own lives, what we have seen on TV and the prevailing society. Even the church in the last hundred years has taught that families should be discipled by staff and teachers other than their parents. Moms go in one room, Dads in another, children yet in a different room. Older are separated from younger, and the generations are disconnected. The scripture gives us a very different design for the family both at home and in the church assembly. Parents are to disciple their children, to teach them scripture, and to gain the heart of their children. Parents are called to create an environment of discipline and love. Older women are to teach younger women, younger men are to respect older men. Fathers are to be the spiritual leaders, and discipleship must take place at home. We are losing a generation of fathers who are willing to disciple, and mentor their children as a priority. We no longer have Sunday evening services to give families the time to worship at home. We have or will equip parents with teaching materials such as Truth and Grace Books, these along with bible stories and singing are involved in Family Worship. Grandparents must also recognize their scriptural duty to continue to teach. This is reform, our effort to return back to the scripture. To reform we must divorce ourselves of what we think to be true, and search for God's truth. This conference was full of likeminded Church leaders from across the country, who also recognize the need for reform. These are not new ideas but ones from generations past who were always reforming, seeking the scripture as their compass, rather than modern intellect and pragmatism. I challenge each of us to consider reform in our marriages, rearing our children and grand children, how we worship, seek God's word and His Face.
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