How to Maximize Your Family Life

Fulfilling Your True Destiny Begins at Home

Your Christian walk and path of spiritual maturity involves so much more than leading a Bible study, hosting a support group or giving to a particular ministry. Are all of these things important? Yes. In fact, offering our time and resources to others takes us outside of ourselves to impact the world around us. A lifestyle of unselfish giving sets an important standard for our family and especially our children.

But, as in all things — proper balance is key.

Unfortunately, as with all things, there is a dark side just waiting to creep in–even in the area of giving, volunteering and ministry efforts.

The Dark Side of Serving

Even the best of intentions can become a tainted mess if we do not follow the wisdom and direction of God:

Are you spectacular when leading the morning prayer meeting, but push your children to the sidelines, not giving them the attention and emotional nourishment they crave?

Are you the first to publicly raise your hand to help with repairs on the pastor’s home, but tend to ignore your wife’s requests to fix the leak under your sink?

Do you greet everyone in the congregation with cheerful hugs and words of encouragement but lose your temper with your spouse and children while driving home?

These scenarios have a habit of sneaking in from time to time. No need for a guilt trip. Keep your motives in check and be sure to strike a proper balance between work, family and serving others.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” Psalm 139:23 Practicing humility and constantly asking God to check your heart condition will cause you to realize that your family relationships, although out of the public eye, are much more important than brief periods in the limelight.

Your Family is Your Ministry

Support groups and counseling sessions are filled with adults who felt neglected, rejected and unloved as children–and half of all marriages end in divorce. Your family is a treasure, a true gift from God…and the years pass by much more quickly than you’d imagine. Part of your destiny is to show your children and your spouse the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

In the words of Mother Teresa, “If you want to work for world peace, go home and love your families.”

Your children may not comment on every action or decision you make, but believe me..they are watching. As a parent, you are their protector, their spiritual leader and the one that should bring peace, love and security to the home.

Our children are our hope. Reading online articles, we see that many business owners are worrying about balancing social media with their other job duties. Be sure to make God and family your first priority.

With television, Ipods, video games and online activities competing for your child’s time, losing touch with what they are doing becomes a slippery slope. God’s word clearly warns us that, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Some things that you can do to keep your children out of harm’s way and maximize your family life:

• Talk to your children every day. Talk about their friends, listen to their stories, concerns, thoughts and dreams. Making time for them shows your children how important they are to you.

• Read the Word of God with them and talk about Biblical principles.

• Pray with them and for your spouse and your children.

• Practice self discipline for yourself. If you don’t want your children to drink, smoke, steal, lie, etc–be that example for them.

• Keep computers with internet access in common areas of the home so you can monitor activity. Individuals that prey upon children and teenagers are out there, and in huge numbers.

• Talk openly and honestly with your children about issues such as sex, drug use, bullying, and more. Ignoring these issues will not make them go away.

• Have dinner with your family every chance you can. Sit at the dining room table, not around the television.

• Be healthy! Get out there with your family and go for a bike ride, play catch, walk the dog. Help everyone to be happy, healthy and fit.

• Last but not least, if you are fortunate enough to be part of a two-parent home, show your spouse unconditional love and respect. Be your spouse’s biggest fan and encourager. This will not only strengthen your family core, but show your children how to make a relationship work. Remember, the most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

Maximize your family, maximize your life!