Family First

 Reflections4Life™ August 6, 2023

“Family First”

“Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.” Genesis 45:1 (CEV)

Scripture Contemplations: Genesis 15; 45; 2 Kings 25; Matthew 14; John 6; Romans 12:12-13

I

 recently had a conversation with a dear friend about ministry and those who work in ministry, such as pastors, prophets, ministers, teachers, etcetera. They raised some valid questions that I think many take for granted. In my heart and what I have always been taught, is that family comes first. The family is your first ministry. Ministry begins at home. But somewhere along the lines, many leaders have forgotten this. Far too many are putting the Church, the business of ministering to others over their own family. When it comes to ministry, the family must come first. If it does not, there will be a price to pay; one that is costly.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Let the word of God penetrate your heart and mind. Take some time this week to evaluate if you have been putting your family first, or if they come after everything else is done. Sometimes, a family is the hardest to minister to but what about your immediate home? Your nucleus? Your wife, husband, sons, daughters? How well are you listening and ministering to their needs? Let God lead you in the guidance of your home. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is peace. Is there peace in your home?

First Things First

Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Why is it so easy for some to speak, minister, listen to, or help others who are not related to them? How is it, that some find it easier to minister to other children than their own? Many leaders in the body of Christ are missing the mark when it comes to their families. There are parents who are missing the mark when it comes to their children. They have not developed a relationship with their children and have no idea what is going on in their lives.

If we, as leaders and parents, expect certain things or behaviors from our children, then we must ask ourselves what we have shown them. What have we given to them that they are now reciprocating? We reap what we sow; whatever seeds we are planting in the lives of our family members are indicative of the kind of fruit that will grow. You cannot plant apple seeds and expect oranges. You cannot plant seeds of distance and closed minds, expecting your children to come to you with their hearts open, ready to share with you what is going on with them.

The family must come first. Too many have their priorities turned around and wonder why their family is so far away from God. Did we even stop to listen to them, and what they want? Or do we expect so much from our families because we want to paint a certain picture to the world? Far too many are holding their families to a higher and impossible standard so that on the outside they look like better individuals. Are you seeking a loving and sharing family? Or, a bunch of obedient followers that lift you up?

Meeting Their Needs

Matthew 25:36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’

Why is it so easy to meet the needs of strangers, than those who carry your blood in their veins? Why is it so easy to mentor and groom a child that is not yours but be harsh and unbending to your own child? How is it possible to spend hours preparing to minister to others, traveling to preach, and teach, and your own household is crying for attention, warmth, and unconditional love?

Matthew 25 is not just referring to strangers but also referring to those in our own homes. It boggles my mind how many ministers’ children that I have ministered to, counseled, and have become friends with have said the same things over and over again; How much they disliked their parents, despised the church, and did not want anything to do with the church and sometimes God.

They felt abandoned by their parents; abandoned and second place to the church. They also could not understand how their parents could show so much understanding and compassion for a bunch of strangers but have none for them. It hurt my heart to hear what they were saying with their mouths, and also hear their heart and understand.

Beloveds, we do a disservice to God and to ourselves when we neglect the ministry of home. If our homes are lacking, then how much of a positive impact are we actually having? The problem is not only with parents and children but also with spouses. Perhaps one spouse got saved and the other did not. Do you think you are going to win them over by always putting their needs and wants second? By always running to church and forgetting about taking care of their needs?

God is a God of decency and order. He does not come to separate families but to heal, restore, renew, and strengthen. When we have a healthy home, we can soar and help so many others, becoming that example of God’s love and balance.

Our first ministry begins in our homes. When we take care of the home first, then we can effectively be used outside of the home. Our family, our nucleus—our immediate family home— and their needs must be our first priority. How can we leave our children and spouses to the enemy? That is what we are doing when we do not put them first, ministering to the needs that are first coming from within.

My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. It may seem easier to minister to strangers; to be caught up in the accolades and feelings of awe when you are praised and adored. But at what price? At the price of your family, their souls, and spirits? No, Beloved. The family must come first. Your home is your first priority and ministry. When God is in charge there, He will be the one to enlarge your territory and make you effective everywhere else He calls you. Let God lead, as you lead your household into their greatness. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.