The family is under attack in America. Radical groups are trying to redefine marriage, attempting to undermine the biblical mandate of “one woman and one man in a legal monogamous relationship for life.” Organizations like “Planned Parenthood” – a very deceptive and misleading name – are encouraging and performing abortions at an alarming rate. There has been a 14 fold increase in unmarried couples living together since 1960 (75+% of those who later marry will end in divorce). The rate of births to unmarried women has more than doubled since 1980 from 18% to 40% today. American parents spend 40% less time with their children than 50 years ago. What’s the answer?

As Christians, we must affirm and strengthen the American Family beginning with our own. Organizations like Focus on The Family are leading the way with support and helpful resources. Robin and I have supported their ministry for over 20 years. Today I’d like to share a list of seven top tips to make your family stronger from Glenn T. Stanton’s Five Things and Action Ideas.

1. Eat dinner as a family four nights a week at least. Making time to eat dinner together will help your family stay connected and confront conflict easier.
2. Develop family hobbies. Hobbies help children define themselves and find a sense of purpose so they’re not as likely to hang out at the mall, watch television or stare at a computer screen.
3. Engage with your children online. Help your children learn and practice healthy internet habits.
4. Focus. What children need most is time and undivided attention from their parents. They would gladly do without money or things for more time with Mom and Dad.
5. Serve together. Serving helps children see beyond themselves to the needs of others in their lives and their communities. Volunteer to serve the homeless. Pass out blankets on cold days. Mow the yard of a neighbor who’s unable.
6. Parent time. Parents need to show their children that the marriage relationship is important and takes time. Model marriage for your children and talk with them about why you do what you do.
7. Take the TV out of the bedroom. Marketers spend more than $15 billion dollars every year marketing to children. As children watch commercials they learn to place worth in material possessions. Combat this message by monitoring TV time and keeping the family television in a family room, not a bedroom.

How is your family doing? What changes may you want to make to strengthen the bond in your family this Lenten Season? God created families for His purposes to build a strong and healthy society and to demonstrate His unconditional love to others in practical ways. I am so glad to be a part of the family of God here at First Church. It is the greatest family in the world!

Have a Blessed weekend! I’ll see you Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Please keep The Walk to Emmaus in your prayers. We’re hosting the 72 hour spiritual retreat this weekend at First Church. Sue Kuntze and Katie Parker will be participating on the Walk and several of our active members will be on the support team.