Good morning, Five Minute Families. Last week we discussed how in Romans the Lord gives us sometimes unconventional resources we need to live righteous and redeemed lives, but since recording it, Kim and I really felt that we needed to add a second part and be more detailed about how a family together can utilize these resources of the Lord. Basically, as a Christian family, how are we to live? So, let’s revisit our five points from last week.

1. Within the family, sacrifice is all too often a one-way street. Americans are big on the concept of ‘some people are givers and some are takers.’ However, as a family, each person must be willing to sacrifice, and that means, parents, that sometimes we have to make our children give something up that they want. It doesn’t come naturally to our flesh. You will have some kiddos who are more naturally inclined to compromise or sacrifice their own desires, but it is up to the parents to make sure that the kids’ sacrifices are kept in balance. Likewise, parents, if one of the adults of the household is more likely to sacrifice, then balance needs to be found there as well.
2. Here at Clear View Retreat, one of the things that we encourage families to do TOGETHER is to serve. We know a family who serve together every year at their church’s vacation Bible school and also once a year at a refugee camp. One really neat thing to watch with the family at VBS was that the parent most involved in the planning and preparations had the full support of her family during the weeks and months leading up to the actual VBS. Likewise, as a family, they scheduled vacation days to coincide with vacation Bible school. Such sacrifice and service TOGETHER.
3. In Romans 13, submission to governing authorities is the focus. Parents, in this day of political vitriol, we must set the example of submission. We need to share God’s truth in light of political and governing situations, but if we do not set a good example for our children, I promise you this is one area in which we will fail. I am going to go here… neither hanging flags with cuss words nor chanting expressions such as Let’s Go Brandon is God-honoring behavior. Just as a huge billboard read that Trump was God’s elected official, we see in Scripture that Biden is, too. We need to pray for all of our governing leaders, and we need to work hard to change unjust laws, but Scripture is clear that we must do so in God-honoring ways. Our children are watching.
4. Being sensitive to the points that others find important is fundamental in a family unit. Some of our spouses or children are weaker in faith than others. We once knew a couple in which one of the spouses felt very strongly that Jesus was our Sabbath and thus doing tasks around the house on a Sunday was fine. His wife, however, felt that it was sinful to do chores on Sunday. Not only were they not sensitive to one another, they each took a judgmental stance against the other about this. It was one of many details that tore them apart.
5. Does your family build one another up or tear each other down? Sometimes, tearing each other down becomes a habit. God placed each of you together, and He brought together different strengths and weaknesses, ultimately for the benefit of each of you. Realize that adopting God’s attitude of acceptance brings not just peace but also a home life that produces kindness, security, and joy. We must ‘make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.’ (Romans 14:19)

Last week, we also touched briefly on communication skills because all of the above resources work better with good communication. Just as Romans 14:19 alludes to our speech, many verses discuss our communication skills directly such as Proverbs 12:18 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” We hope that if your family is struggling in the area of communication, you will go to your favorite podcast player and listen to the Five Minute Family podcast from June 2020 titled Marriage #3, or get involved with a counselor or pastor who can help you practice better communication skills, or come attend a family camp or marriage retreat with us here at CVR. Please check out our website at clearviewretreat.org for more information about those family camps, marriage retreats, and more.

Thank you for joining us today. Be blessed!