7 Most Valuable Relationships Prioritized
God and Finances
Two of the most important factors in operating a healthy family is having God in it, and strong financial planning. Budgeting is ever so critical to keep and maintain a household. You have the main money earner – head of household, and the dependant(s) – usually children. It is the practice of submitting to Godly principles that helps keep the cash flow healthy.
Family Relationship Order
The biblical order in which relationships are to be observed according to Doc Burkhart Ministries in priority are:
- God - Our heavenly Father who created man
- Spouse - husband or wife
- Children - the dependants of the family
- Parents - the ones who birthed you
- Extended Family - siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
- Fellow Believers - those who share the same faith as you
- Rest of the World - all others not included in the above
When these priorities are intact, a more happy family life will be achieved. For churchgoers, it is easy to place fellow believers on a higher level than the bible suggests. Many church people treat fellow believers better than families. In some instances, the non-church-goer family member removes or disassociates himself or herself from the loved one who believes in God....this causes a breakdown in the relationship.
The Church's Role In Teaching Family Principles
I have always thought that the church plays a critical role in teaching on family principles. And I believe that the church should put into practice the order of relationships, starting with the Pastor. Some Pastors give more time to the church than their spouse – this is a common problem amongst pastors. The church has powerful influence in the lives of the members who attend on a regular basis. When the church has activities that involve family, spouses and children – we are headed in the right direction. However, when the church uses the services of good members and overtaxes them, the family deterioriates.
Common Out-of-Order Priority:
First Hand Information. Growing up as a pastor’s kid , I saw my dad spend countless hours with fellow believers. Outside of the scope of his pastoral duties – he would spend additional hours, evenings and weekends seeing after the needs of the congregation and also the needs of other pastors. He was well-respected among other pastors and their congregation. It was a sacrifice my dad made.
Honoring Parents. According to the scripture, parents are to be honored so that our days may be long upon the land, which the Lord God giveth.
Following are the five best family relationship and principles to live by:
- Family comes before people outside your home.
- Partnership and collaboration guides a family to victory.
- Enjoyment and entertainment starts at home.
- Finances and budget planning should be managed together.
- Spiritual foundation starts at home.
The book of Ephesians provides solid direction and guidance for family relationships.
Christians
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour - Ephesians 5:1,2
Wives
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord – Ephesians 5:22
Husbands
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it – Ephesians 5:25
Children
Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that is may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. –Ephesians 6:1, 2, 3
Clemson University - Extension Family and Consumer Sciences - Family Life states: We must remember that: families are the source of love, protection and identity for their members; all families have strengths, but many families today face exceptional challenges and families are the backbone of communities.
Each of us belong to a family. Whether you are single, married, widowed, or divorced, you belong to a family. Single, widowed and divorced people trust in God and answer to him. Married people answer to God and their spouse. Children answer to God and their parents. Take a moment and assess your family need and accountability system, because we all need someone to give an account to. I hope you are giving an account to the right person in your life, and if you are not, re-order your life to get back on track. There is strength in family.
