Introduction: The family and the local church are two of the most important and vital institutions or organization known to man. In fact, there is a manifest resemblance between the two (I Tim. 3: 4, 5, 15). Just as there is much teaching in the twenty-two epistles relative to the local church and the responsibility of each several member, so it is regarding the family (Prov. 11: 29; 15: 27). Good families do not just happen, they are the result of mutual work (Prov. 24: 3, 4, 14: 1).

I. Some biblically evident rules to building good families.

  1. The son must "leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife" (Gen. 2: 24).

   A. Some men will not leave but "cleave to their father and mother." They cannot make any decision and they will not assume the headship that they must to lead their own family. They are constantly looking to dad for financial help.

   B. Resident in Genesis 2: 24 is also the necessary inference that father and mother are to stay out of their son's business and family matters! (Cp. Prov. 25: 17.)

  2. Rule two, recognize the respective role of each family member.

   A. The bible plainly presents the role of each member: Ephesians 5: 22-6: 4.

    a. The husband must realize that the wife is the "keeper at home" (Tit. 2: 5). The wife must be aware of the leadership and consequent challenges leadership can present (applied to the husband, Eph. 5: 22, 23). Parents must consider the role of the dependant children (Eph. 6: 1-3). Children should attempt to understand the duty of their father and mother (Eph. 6: 4). 

  3. Each family member is to perform and fulfill his or her respective roles.

   A. The husband (Eph. 5: 23-29, I Tim. 5: 8, Eph. 6: 4).

   B. The wife (Eph. 5: 22, I Pet. 3: 1-6, Prov. 31: 10-31).

   C. The children (Eph. 6: 1-3).

  4. Each family member is to have the correct priorities.

    A. The husband/father can be too money conscious (Prov. 15: 27). He can also be guilty of not awareness regarding the financial matters involving a family (I Tim. 5: 8). He is to make time to study with his children and just spend time with them (Eph. 6: 4).

   B. The goal and priority of the godly wife must be her family (not a career or social club, etc.).

   C. Children also contribute greatly to the overall family health and well being (Prov. 10: 1).

  5. Each member should attempt to understand the status and make-up of other family members.

   A. I Peter 3: 7, 1, 2.

  6. Each member should attempt to promote the desired family atmosphere.

   A. Too often the husband has a football game on television resounding throughout the house; the children have their music entertaining the entire block; and the wife has locked herself in the bedroom and is on the bed with a pillow on her head! Families must have order and an environment that is conducive to spirituality and stability (cp. Deut. 11: 19, 20-22).