Christian Family: What Is It?
Family is perhaps the most influential element in anyone’s life. Families shape us, influence us, and are with us for a lifetime. But, what is family, and why does it matter?
In this post, we will dive into God’s purpose and design for the family, what makes a biblical family different, and some resources that may help as you dive into this topic.
While I am no expert, my desire is to know the answers to these questions myself. Welcome to the place where I get to share.
What is a Family?
Since the beginning of humanity, God designed humans for family. Early on in Genesis 2:18, God says “It is not good for man to be alone,” and He creates a wife for Adam… the first family. He also commands humans to “be fruitful and multiply,” and so the family grows (Genesis 1:28).
After reading some of Vodie Baucham’s work, I realized that family is a place where our walk with Christ takes on the flesh. If we spend all your time studying or doing the work of ministry but neglect our spouse and family, have we truly been faithful?
These relationships reveal and test the reality of our walk with Christ. Our relationships on earth are the proving ground for your heavenly one (Matthew 22:34-40, 1 John 2:9-11, 1 Timothy 3:5, 1 John 4:20).
Why Did God Create Family
There are countless reasons why God designed the family. Perhaps more than I will ever understand. But, here are a few basic functions that stand out the most to me.
Remember, a Christian family is defined by its pursuit of Christ, not perfection.
Family Glorifies God
God honoring families reflect the relationship between Christ and the church (see Ephesians 5:25-33). Furthermore, they demonstrate the love of the Father towards His children (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 3:11-12).
Family Advances the Kingdom
Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Up until recently, I mostly looked beyond the home when it came to this call. But, the Great Commission includes the people closest to us, often our families.
Proverbs 22:6 states that parents are to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse (and many others) tell us that it is the parents’ privilege and responsibility to train their children to know the Lord and love Him. By teaching children to know the Lord and become disciples of Him, they can become powerful servants in the Kingdom and continue the mission given to us by the Lord.
Furthermore, simply seeing a family in love with the Lord and submitting to His Word can bring people to Jesus, therefore growing the Kingdom. The Lord used godly families to strengthen my faith and bring life to the words of the Bible.
Family Makes Us More Like Jesus
Family members are the people we spend most of our time with. With each interaction, we have the chance to choose to live like Christ or live according to our sinful ways. We get to love, serve, lead, sacrifice, care for, and even rebuke like Jesus. Marriage in itself is a very sanctifying process where I’ve come face to face with my sin on a daily basis. Bringing more life into the mix must only amplify this. What an opportunity for the Lord to work as we hold one another accountable and call each other higher.
As children, it teaches child-like faith. As parents, it teaches the heart of the Father.
The home is a place where our faith becomes visible.
What Makes a Christian Family?
Simply put, a Christian family is a family that loves God, serves Him, and keeps His commands. For many years, I believed that ministry was done in the church. The Lord has taught me, however, that ministry begins in the home. In other words, discipleship and multigenerational faithfulness begins and ends at home.
It starts with a husband and wife dedicated to the Lord and one another. Prioritizing the Lord first, one another second, and children thereafter allows for a fruitful home that is led by a united front.
Spouses seeing one another prioritize the Lord above all else gives them perspective and keeps the Lord in His proper place.
Children seeing parents who love and care for one another have a tangible illustration of the love of Christ and the church. It can give them great security and confidence to know their parents love one another.
The Call of Christian Families
Families dedicated to the Lord are surrendered to Him, committed to His purposes, casting vision, and living on a mission. They recognize family to be a gift from the Lord that requires tender love and care. It is a gift filled with great responsibility—one too big to bear alone. It requires utter dependance on the Lord. Being a family of God is a holy work that has an eternal impact.
This topic is one I am just beginning to explore, and the Lord is amazing to me. His design is so good. His care is so tender, and His Word is so true.
As Christians, we need not fear. Friend, we can rejoice in the fact that “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3).
He does not leave us to steward this alone. We get to partner with Him in this great gift. Remember, He is the builder, sustainer, and source (Psalm 127:1; Psalm 55:22;
The Ministry of a Christian Family
We think that a ministry, mission field, or job allows us to live out the great commission, but it simply starts with the people around us a lifelong and beautiful ministry that grows as time goes on (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 5:19; 1 John 4:20; John 13:35; Ephesians 5:21). Then, even as seasons change, our mission and purpose do not change. Your children may be out of the house, but your nest is not empty. You can still fill it with people to share the love and Truth of Christ with. The work never ends!
Christian Family Resources
If you take anything away from this post, please let it be the resources below. They have been an indescribable blessing to my life. One blog post cannot summarize all of these lessons. I would love to encourage you to seek the Lord, remain in Him, and utilize the tools He’s given us.
Books on Christian Family
- Family Driven Faith (Voddie Baucham Jr.)
- Family Worship (John D. Garr)
- The Shaping of a Christian Family (Elisabeth Elliot)
Sermons on Christian Family
- Fallen Families (Paul Washer)
- The Fulfilled Family Sermon Series (11 videos)
- Discipleship in the Home (Joel Beeke)
- Providing Shade for Our Children, Part 1
- Family Worship (Costi Hinn + Joel Beeke)
Final Encouragement
This is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christian families. I pray your heart is encouraged by the goodness of our God and inspired to seek Him all the more.
May God equip more families to make an impact on the world for Christ. May you trust in the Lord fully as you pursue the calls of marriage and family, knowing He uses these for His glory, the advancement of the kingdom, and conformity to Christ. May our homes be places of love and truth. May Jesus not just be a part of our lives; may He be our life.
