As Christians, we should strive to be resurrection families. What, perchance, is a resurrection family? Resurrection families are families whose central and primary focus is living in light of the reality that Jesus has risen!
We live in light of many other realities. For example, you may find yourself standing on the balcony of a hotel room on the 30th floor. Does your heart race a little when you stand at the railing, or even lean over a bit? Do you jump? Of course not! Gravity is a reality that we all must live with and acknowledge. To do otherwise would be to our detriment.
The same is true, more true, of the Triune God of Holy Scripture. One God in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is my Father’s world, as the song goes, and when we deny that fact by our actions and priorities, we are not living as God intends and this is to our detriment.
Resurrection families are families whose central and primary focus is living in light of the reality that Jesus has risen! Share on XJesus’ resurrection is a triumph over death and the grave. It is a triumph over Satan. It is a triumph over sin’s power to enslave Jesus’ sheep. It is a testimony to the truths taught by Jesus. Jesus said, “anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus is God the Son incarnate. He is the God-Man. And He is our Lord and King.
Go to Church
You cannot be a family that prioritizes Christ and His Kingdom if you do not regularly attend worship. This is a command of Scripture (Hebrews 10:25). Additionally, you must attend a local congregation in which you are a member. The “one another’s” of Scripture do not make sense outside of a local congregation. You cannot submit to elders of the global church.
The church is the body of Christ, and your family must prioritize being a part of Christ’s body if you are to be a resurrection family.
Christian Education
To acknowledge that all things were created for Him (Christ) and through Him (Colossians 1:16), you must pursue Christian education for your children. Math is not math without Jesus Christ. Science certainly cannot make sense without Jesus Christ. History will seem a long line of random, cruel events, if not taught with the cross of Jesus Christ at its center. The world would love to teach your children that there is no such thing as a boy or a girl, that marriage is a mirage and that we are all cosmic accidents. This is anti-Christ!
However it looks to your family, whether homeschool, Christian private school or even if you have such an influence over the public school in your area (doubtful), you must strive to teach your children that Christ is the center of all things.
Family Worship
Resurrection families worship together, not only on the Lord’s Day with their local congregation but at home as a family. If your children only ever see you worship God on Sundays, then they will believe that God is only worthy of worship one day a week. Teach them (and yourselves) that we worship God every day, because He is God of every day.
Family worship does not have to be complicated. I have learned that it can simply consist of three things. Read, Pray, Sing. Read a passage of Scripture. Pray to God with your family. Sing to the Lord. If there are time constraints or it’s been a hectic day and you just need to get the kiddos in bed, then just pray with them. Prayer is worship.
Love One Another
This should be abundantly apparent, but it should be said regardless. Resurrection families love one another. One of my highest priorities is that my wife know that I love her more than any woman or thing on this planet (apart from the Lord). Another of my highest priorities is that my children know that I love them no matter what they do or what circumstances life may bring.
Having your family full of love is a great way to then spread love to your extended family, friends, and the world.
Of course, love is not just going along with anything in order to support the comforts of another. Love is defined by Christ and His Word. And this makes Christ the center of our love.
Discipline and Correction
Following on the heels of love, is Godly discipline and correction. You cannot love your children, or your family, without endeavoring to lead them toward Christ, and to teach them to live as He has instructed. This requires wisdom and a fear of the Lord.
He is Risen!
He is risen, indeed!
Live in light of this reality today.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
One of the “Five Solas” (slogans) of the Protestant Reformation is Soli Deo Gloria. To the glory of God alone. In order to live as resurrection families, we should strive to acknowledge Christ’s Lordship over us and live in a way that gives glory to God, every day.
God bless you and have a happy Resurrection Day!