How To Secure a Future for Our Children
We do this by fulfilling our covenant duties assigned to us by God.
Embrace the Family
In the Bible, men are seen as ordained by God to be the king, prophet, and priest of their family. This divine appointment carries with it a sacred responsibility to guide the family in spiritual matters.
John Knox, a pillar of the Reformed tradition, firmly believed that families should partake in reading, exhorting, and making prayers before Christ at least once a day.
The Role of Men in Family Worship
Husbands and fathers are called to lead their families in worshiping God through three key practices:
Reading and Instructing from Scripture: Daily delving into the Word of God not only educates but also spiritually nourishes the family.
Daily Prayer Before God: These prayers should be short, simple, and solemn, encompassing adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplications.
Singing Praises to God: This act unites the family in a harmonious celebration of God's glory.
However, family worship should not replace corporate worship, nor should it focus on worshipping the family itself. It's not a time for casting judgment or merely a session for family activities or moral training. Importantly, while it plays a crucial role, family worship does not guarantee salvation.
Practical Reasons for Family Worship
Family worship serves to:
Center the Home on Christ: Establishing Christ as the core of the home.
Encourage Children Toward Christ: Leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus.
Promote Christian Character: Cultivating virtues such as love, patience, and kindness.
Encourage Peace and Understanding: Fostering a spirit of harmony and mutual respect.
Bestow Knowledge of Scripture: Ensuring biblical literacy and understanding.
Prepare for Corporate Worship: Acclimatizing children to the practices of church worship.
Reinforce Spiritual Headship: Emphasizing the father’s role as a spiritual leader.
Fulfill Your Covenant Duties
In our lives, we are placed in numerous roles, each with its own set of covenant duties. Fulfilling these roles in a way that pleases God and adheres to His commands is paramount. As Christians, our understanding of these duties is deeply rooted in our commitment to live according to God's covenant.
In the Bible, the concept of covenant is central. It represents a solemn agreement, not just between God and His people, but also encompassing the roles and responsibilities that individuals undertake in their daily lives.
Fulfilling our covenant duties involves living in a manner that is pleasing to God and adheres to His commands, thereby upholding the values and teachings of our faith.
Understanding Covenant Duties
Personal Covenant with God: Every Christian has a personal covenant with God. This involves a commitment to faith, ongoing repentance, and a life of worship. It's about nurturing a personal relationship with Christ and striving to embody His teachings.
Family Covenant: As heads of families, men have a special covenantal role. This goes beyond providing and protecting; it includes spiritual mentorship and guidance. Leading a family in the ways of the Lord is a sacred trust, involving teaching children the scriptures, instilling moral values, and setting an example of godly living.
Church Community Covenant: As members of the Church, there is a covenant with the church community. This involves regular participation in church life, supporting the mission of the Church, and contributing to the welfare of the congregation.
Societal Covenant: Christians are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). This means engaging with society in ways that reflect Christ's love and justice. It includes being honest in business, showing kindness to neighbors, and participating in community life in a way that honors God.
The Impact of Fulfilling Covenant Duties
Spiritual Growth: Fulfilling these duties encourages personal spiritual growth. It helps in deepening one's understanding of God’s word and living out one’s faith in practical ways.
Strengthening Families: When covenant duties are fulfilled within the family, it creates a nurturing and spiritually rich environment that fosters the growth of each member in their faith journey.
Church and Community Building: Actively participating in the life of the Church and community contributes to a stronger, more cohesive Christian community. This community support is essential for the collective growth and outreach of the church.
Societal Influence: By living out our covenant duties, Christians can have a positive impact on society. This includes promoting justice, peace, and the welfare of all, thereby reflecting the kingdom of God on earth.
Create & Preserve the Culture
In today's society, Christianity is often viewed as an impediment to cultural progress. However, we know understand that preserving the Church and, by extension, the God-worshipping family is essential to preserving covenant keeping culture.
The family, as a unit, is a fundamental building block of society.
The Role of the Family in Culture and Economy
Development and Transmission of Skills: Families are the primary space where individuals learn and pass on skills.
Regulation of Commerce: Family heads play a crucial role in regulating trade and maintaining healthy economic relationships.
Enforcement of Contracts: Upholding agreements between families to ensure a stable and just society.
The decline of the Roman Empire highlighted the Church's role in holding together society, largely due to its promotion of the proper family unit. As Christians, it is our duty not just to preserve but to actively create covenant keeping culture.
We do this by fulfilling each of our roles in a covenant-keeping way, guided by our faith and commitment to God's Word.
