Daily Devotion February 13--Family

February 13

1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.


Family.  This word stirs up lots of memories and emotions for most of us.  Some of those are good and make us smile and others we work diligently to forget.  Regardless of how you feel, it is clear in God's word that we are to take care of each other in a family.

In many homes today 3 generations all live together.  This is the way it was in my home growing up.  In some households the grandparents are rearing their grandchildren and the middle generation is missing. Whatever your household is made of, it is the responsibility of those in that home to care for one another.

Paul is saying here that we are to provide for those in our family unless we want to be worse than a nonbeliever.  Much of what will follow will not be popular but I feel it is true.

Parents are responsible for the upbringing of their children.  It is not the school's responsibility to teach children morals and values and common sense.  This should be taught at home by parents who are actively engaged in the lives of their children.  We need to be careful not to fill a child's life with so many outside activities that there is no time for families to be together for at least one meal a day.  Some days that is hard but much is learned around that dinner (or breakfast or lunch) table.

If we do not develop a relationship with our children then the teenage years will be troublesome.  Instead of looking to their parents for guidance and advice, they will turn to their friends.  That strong family bond is so important.

As we get older, the roles reverse and the children often become the caregivers to their parents whether that is by taking them into their home or making sure they are cared for in a living situation designed for aging individuals.  It is important that we make sure the needs of our parents are being met and not just toss them to the side.  Care for your family is a God given responsibility.

None of us would want to called an infidel.  We must strive to do what God has instructed us to do.

As we go through the day, let us be sure that we are caring for those God has placed in our family.