We Are Family
How to Serve Your Family
You have weekly obligations or a list of projects to do for the family. Here are some key guidelines to make into habits. These help you love your family in practical ways. (These also work in your career.)
Set Your Attitude
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Col 3:22-24). A faith-filled, joyful attitude is your strength (Neh 8:10).
Stay close to the Lord. Love Him with a passion. Draw from His life within to give life to your family. Share your thoughts, insights, struggles and victories. We all suffer in life. Close family ties enable us to overcome any hardship. Victory begins at home!
You serve the Lord as you serve your family. Rejoice in the opportunity! Be thankful and worship the Lord as you work. Service IS worship.
Communicate in love
Plan ahead and inform others. Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). Learn Jesus. Renew your mind, put off and put on new habits (Eph 4:20-24). Encourage one another. Tell each of your family members how much you love them. Then show them your love in action!
Put Family First
This is where the Kingdom of God initially breaks out. Treasure the Kingdom, and advance it at home – first, foremost and fully. Be ready to die for your family. Die to self daily, on a moment-by-moment basis. Expect the Lord to bless you as you bless your family. What you sow, you reap (Gal 6:7).
Take Ownership of the House
You are not a guest that expects other to wait on them. Serve others (Mt 23:11). Learn the house order. Pick up after yourself. Straighten the house as you go. Pick up trash. Do the dishes and put them away. Fold your towels. Wipe the sink. Put the toilet seat down. Leave every area of the house better than how you found it. Especially the kitchen. Jesus said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Mt 23:11). Start by serving your family in your home.
Develop the Disciplines of Life
“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim 4:7). Radically love God and others. Go to bed early and rise early. Pray and read the word early. Obey the Great Commission. Stay in shape. Eat wisely. Be victorious in all areas. Learn the disciplines of Jesus, the disciplines that lead to life, for you and your family members.
Live Out Your Commitments
“Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Show your love. Keep your promises. If you have committed to do something for your family, remember it. Write it down if it is just a detail. Try to get it done ahead of the deadline. Demonstrate your love in the little details. Faithful in little equals faithful in much (Luke 16:10).
Prioritize Your Family in Your Schedule
Put family first. Even before ministry. In fact, loving your family is the first and foremost way you learn to serve Jesus.
It is very important to start your day well Straighten your room and have your life in Kingdom order. Make your bed immediately. Get and get into prayer and Bible study the first thing in the morning.
Don’t allow the phone or other random items to take you away from your family. Explain to your friends that this is your time to be with your family. You serve your friends well as they observe your priorities.
Block out more than enough time. The work may take more time than you figured.
Work with Your Parents or Older Family Members
Serve them happily. The flesh and Satan focus on negatives. Discover God’s beauty in each of your family.
Don’t judge your parents or leaders. The Israelites murmured against Moses’ leadership in the wilderness, somehow thinking that their suffering was his fault (Num 14:22).
Allow them to tell you what to do and when to do it. Ask clarifying questions. Do it all.
Be thoughtful. As they take the lead, serve them. Anticipate the next part of the job.
Get what they need. Put things away for them. Make them successful.
Make certain that they are happy with the progress. Think through the job before them. Ask if there is anything else you can do. You are not done until they are done. They will esteem you highly!