Three Characteristics of a Godly Family

Families are central to God’s plan for His children. They are essential building blocks and foundational institutions of strong societies ordained by God. Every Christian family has the potential to be a godly family. A godly family derives from a godly husband and wife united in holy matrimony. In this article, I would like to discuss three characteristics of a godly family.

In a Christian marriage, God should be the center of this partnership and covenant.

1. A Christian Marriage
   Firstly, a godly family must function according to biblical principles intended by God. In the gospel of Matthew 19: 14-16, we read “… that at the beginning God made them male and female, and said, “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” As such, marriage ordained by God is a life-long covenant between one man and one woman. God detests divorce and separation. There should be mutual love, faithfulness, and commitment from both partners.
   
   In a Christian marriage, God should be the center of this partnership and covenant. God has laid down rules and regulations for a happy and fulfilling marriage. See Ephesians 5:21, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Many Christian marriages end in divorce today due to lack of
   understanding, commitment, communication, extra marital affairs, etc. The marriage vow is broken and dishonored when both husband and wife decide on divorce and refuse to compromise and work towards resolving their issues.
   
   The first marriage ordained by God in the Garden of Eden is an important lesson for every Christian marriage. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The enemy had succeeded in destroying many other
   marriages, so we need to take heed to God’s word in 1 Peter 5:9, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” It takes work, commitment and forgiving each other to sustain each marriage.
   
   2. Raising Godly Children
   Our modern society has put tremendous pressures on the homes and spouses. At one point, raising children was considered the high point in marriage and well regarded by married couples. Today, many Christian couples regard childbearing as a burden and an obstacle to a fulfilling marriage. However, when they relinquish the responsibility of having children for the sake of their career, enjoyment, freedom, etc., they have overlooked the sacred will of God.
   
   We read in Genesis 1:28 that God commanded Adam and Eve “to be fruitful and multiply and subdue and rule over the earth.” Furthermore, Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us that “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
   
   God desires godly children. In Proverbs 22:6, parents are instructed to “Train up the child in the way of the Lord and when they grow old will not depart.” Many parents overlook the importance of imparting biblical teachings to their children according to Deuteronomy 4:9, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely to the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
   
   If we do not train our children in following godly ways, they will be impacted by the worldliness of this world. We have seen many youths departing from their faith and cease from going to church with their family members. Therefore, as parents, we need to intercede and be godly role models to our children. While academic achievements should be encouraged, biblical.

3. Serving the Lord as a Family
   One of the parents’ highest callings is to help their children discover their spiritual gifts in serving the Lord. Joshua 24:15b. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”, Joshua made a declaration for his family. This is a wise decision that influenced not only his life but the lives of his entire household. As parents we must do likewise for our family.
   
   One of the effective ways to serve the Lord is to make it a family commitment to observe and honor the Lord’s Day. When parents make this a priority for Sunday, their children will grow up with the same commitment and faithfulness to honor it. I have seen many parents allow their children to skip church services for reasons such as to attend courses, or celebrations, etc. Children need to be taught how to place God as our priority. Serving the Lord can be done together as a family whether in church, at home or even publicly. For example, serving God in church such as in worshiping God. Older children can serve as ushers and extending assistance to the needy. Children can learn how to serve the Lord when they are taught and be motivated to do so. As good and faithful stewards of God, we can make an impact in the lives of our children.
   

Children need to be taught how to place God as our priority.

In conclusion, with these three characteristics in mind, I pray that we can ponder on how to build a godly family to fulfill God’s calling for us. May every couple strive to build a strong foundation to establish a godly family by demonstrating the love for God for each member in the family. Finally, let us be godly role models and stewards by imparting our Christian virtues and values to our children so that they in turn can live out their lives as godly and productive adults for the glory of God and furtherance of His
kingdom.

God bless you and your family abundantly!

Ps Maggie Kuek is the Assistant Pastor of Great Shepherd Assembly of God. She oversees the Children Ministry, Prayer Meetings, and is a regular speaker for Sunday Worship Service. Ps Maggie graduated from NTU with a Master of Education, specializing in Special Education. She is also the Associate Lecturer from NIEC; an MOE-trained Spark QA Coach and Founder of Our Learning Ark which conducts training for children, parents, and preschool educators. She is a designer of several resource materials for preschoolers.