“‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate’” …“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (Matthew 19:6, 14)
If you ever want to know how important something is to society, then look at how much Satan attacks it. Based on this standard, the family is absolutely critical to the health and future of society. For no component of society is under such continual assault by the devil as the family. And he works through many means to launch his attacks.
Here in Matthew 19 we find that assault coming through the very people whom God had called to defend the family – the religious leaders. First, we find the Pharisees punching loopholes in the Law of Moses to make it easy for a man to divorce his wife. They do this without any consideration for the harm divorce will do to the wife and children. Then, we find the apostles becoming stumbling blocks to the children who wish to see Jesus – Something Jesus sternly condemned (Matthew 18:6).
America has become a hostile environment for the family. While our culture and government should be affirming family values, it does the very opposite. By celebrating deviant lifestyles, redefining traditional marriage, and glorifying sexual promiscuity America wages war on the family.
Nowhere is this truer than in the military. Weekend safety briefings focus on accommodating bad behavior rather than inspiring good. “When you have sex, be sure to use protection,” is the extent of the military’s moral guidance. Why not encourage faithfulness to one’s spouse? Why not stress self-control and character-building?
During my thirty-one years in the Army I felt another institutional pressure against the family – one that encouraged family neglect. It promoted the idea that it’s a sign of strength not to need or be dependent upon one’s spouse and family. I remember back, when a deployment was drawing to a close, I asked my First Sergeant if he was excited about seeing his family again. He took it as an insult. “It don’t make me no difference if I ever see ’em again. We can stay here another year.”
But God created both marriage and the family for the fulfillment and happiness of every member (Genesis 2:18-24). It’s no display of strength to neglect your family only to seek support from some other source. The family is God’s idea, and His ideas are always the best.
REFLECTION
- Do you feel peer or institutional pressure to neglect your family? In what ways?
- Who is more likely to stick with you in trouble? The military or your family?
- Invest time, prayer, and love in your family and you will reap awesome rewards.
