Providing For Our Family

by Micky Galloway

In our studies of the book of James we have learned that life is very short, “whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that” (James 4:14-15). Our eternal existence is completely dependent upon how we live during this short period. However, many fail to reason that the eternal existence of our children and grandchildren will be greatly influenced by how we live our lives. The wisdom writer said, “He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind” (Proverbs 11:29). Life is too short and our families grow up too fast for us to mess up this one time opportunity to provide for our families the things they need the most. We simply cannot be so foolish as to waste our time on things that will ultimately jeopardize our eternal destiny and that of our children. In addition to this, our own foolish and selfish choices can make life miserable for all that are touched by our lives. What is really important for us to provide for our families? Many think that providing the “necessities” of life is most important. Many think that providing for things better than what we had as a child is most important. Still others think that providing a good education is most important. However, where should the emphasis be?

Instill a fear of God. The wisdom writer said, “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; (But) the foolish despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). He further said, “Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith” (Proverbs 15:16). In teaching our children to fear the Lord, generally we give them the tools necessary for a long life, “The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days; But the years of the wicked shall be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27). We give them the key to avoid sin, “… by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). Certainly, we give them the knowledge to determine where true wealth really lies. “The reward of humility (and) the fear of Jehovah (Is) riches, and honor, and life” (Proverbs 22:4).This is just a sampling, but perhaps this is why Solomon after all his experiences in life said, “(This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Perhaps then, the fear of the Lord is the most important thing we can provide for our family.

Teach them to love God. Moses commanded, “Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). This is referred to in the New Testament as the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-37). The second is identified as, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets” (Matthew 22:39-40). Please note that the broader context of the early verses in Deuteronomy 6 is about parents teaching their children. This means that the words beginning in verse five are spoken directly to parents. More specifically, it is not enough that we instruct our children to love God, but first and foremost these verses are commanding parents themselves to love God supremely. This valuable lesson is taught by what we do. Jesus said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We cannot pass a love for God on to our children which we ourselves do not possess. As Deuteronomy 6 goes on to indicate, the method we are to use in teaching our children about God and loving God is to relate what the Scriptures say to the context of all of life (i.e. when you sit down, when you walk around, when you lie down, and when you rise up). As you go about your day in the normal circumstances of life, teach your children about God. It is not enough that our children have an academic knowledge of the Bible; the instructions from Scripture must be translated into daily life and applied. Show them how to love God by setting the proper example.

Make them understand that they are loved. “Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17). Very simply, where love abides, the simplest food is gladly received, and contentment and happiness abound. This is far better than eating the best steak where there is bitterness, resentment, and hatred. Providing an environment where love rules, is more important than providing material things in abundance! Broken children often come from broken homes, where love is lacking. No child ought to grow up in a home where he lacks what the Bible calls “natural affection” (Romans 1:31; II Timothy 3:3). Paul instructed Titus to teach the older women to “train” the younger women to “love their children” (Titus 2:3-4). Someone has said, “Children without love become adults full of hate.” As such we perpetuate another generation just like that.

Provide a peaceful family life. “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). Home is to be an oasis from the world that surrounds us. This is similar to the above point, “Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith” (Proverbs 15:16). Riches cannot guarantee happiness, and poverty cannot destroy it. Love will sweeten a dry morsel, but strife will sour and embitter a house full of the best feasts. It is a sobering thought to know that whether it is husband or wife, parent or child, the disturber of a house must answer to God.

Application: Parents, your children will be judged by the same gospel you will be judged by. They need to know what it says and that it is important to you. Parents, your attitude toward Bible classes will be reflected in your children. Children may not see the need to regularly attend Bible classes, but parents must teach them. Where is your priority? Do our children see us prepare and plan for such studies? We would be willing to sacrifice our lives in a moment for our children. We will do without to provide our children with the necessities of a secular education. We see the need for consistency for them to succeed in these things. However, we are content to neglect their spiritual needs. We fail to teach them at home and do not avail ourselves of Bible classes offered by the church. We are not consistent in attendance of the classes ourselves and we do not make sure our children are prepared with lessons completed. Quite often, they do not even bring a Bible. Brethren, something is wrong with that and the Lord’s church is weakened because of that! Are we willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to consistently provide for secular things and then rob them of their spiritual education? How do we teach them what is most important without bringing them to Bible class?