how i hope i can build a family like this

Celebrating the Family

Do you feel like you are left out as a family member or you can’t along well with your family? As part of the Celebrate the Family Festival, Reverend Simon Yee talks about loving and honouring our families and why we live in a family.

Family is God’s idea. God has it designed so that we are born and to be raised in a family. For many of us, the only time we leave the family is when we get married and start a new family of our own. But “leaving” the family doesn’t mean that you are no longer part of the original family you were born in. It simply means that now you have one of your own to treasure and grow with. I believe that Jesus would understand and celebrate his family well. He could have possibly started His ministry much earlier. Imagine, would Jesus not make a bigger impact, achieving more grounds with 12 solid years instead of 3 years? These days we have millionaire footballers that are under 21 years of age! Perhaps knowing WHY is not half important as knowing WHERE Jesus was in those 30 years of his life? I am certain that Jesus was celebrating the family. In John 19:25-27, one cannot help but marvel at Jesus final desire while suffering on the cross. In his mind, there was one thing he had to do when he saw his earthly mother standing near the Cross and his one final act of fidelity was to ensure that his mother would be taken care of before he goes back to his Heavenly Father! Family means so much to Jesus and if that is so, it should be the same for us. But what is God’s desire for the Family? Here are a few pointers I would like to share with all of you,

1. God desires that the family is a place to Learn about God. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the scripture sets a pattern that help us to relate the Word of God to our children by emphasising the importance of parents teaching the bible to their children, as commanded by God. The church cannot be used to escape from this responsibility. Instead, eternal truths are the most effective and best learned in a loving environment of a God-fearing home. Of course, it takes much effort but at the end of the day, it’s worth the while. 2. God desires that the family is a place to Live and Grow. If our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home and in our relationships with those who know us best. Children and parents have a responsibility to care for each other. Children should honour their parents even if they are demanding and unfair whereas parents should teach and not be afraid to correct or discipline their children should they display any negative attitude and behaviour. In Proverbs 12:1, the bible clearly states, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. But he who hates correction is stupid”. 3. God desires that the family is a place to Love and Govern. Apostle Paul warned about the last days when people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, disobedient to their parents and etc rather than lovers of God. The family is a precious sanctum where love is to be shared and experienced by its members. God also designed the family where he admonishes in Ephesians 6:2-4, "Honour your father and mother" - which is the first commandment with a promise - "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Hence, we can all celebrate the family by • Thanking God for our family • Taking time to be with family members •Let us celebrate and have a delightful time with our family, shall we?

Reverend Simon Yee is a Network Pastor. He also oversees the respective ministry and departments, namely Filipino Ministry, FCBC’s Corporate Communications, Wedding Services and Hospitality.