Faith and Family | How to Leave a Legacy of Faith
Family is extremely important to God. The concept was first introduced in Genesis 1, as God gave a command for the first man and wife, Adam and Eve, to be fruitful and multiply, and subdue the earth. In the Mosaic covenant, God commands children to obey their fathers and mothers, and prohibits adultery to maintain the sanctity of marriage. From the idea of family and marriage flowed God’s relationship with Israel and Christ’s relationship with Believers. The family is important, and faith holds it together.
Let’s begin by defining a biblical family…
The purpose of marriage and family is to glorify God—that it may be a witness to His covenant love so that others will come to know Him.The Bible talks about His chosen people and making the nation of Israel into a great family. The Lord is to be the head and director of the family. His Word also tells us that Gentiles have been adopted into the family through Christ.The Lord invites all to come into His family; unfortunately, not everyone will accept. But for those who do, He desires unity. Satan’s goal is to split up God’s family and distract them from their callings. When we stand together as a family, as a three-stranded cord, we are not easily broken.
“… ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’”—Matthew 12:49-50
How can I teach my children to be content with what they have and not judge others?
God’s Words of Encouragement…
- “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”—Ephesians 5:22-27
- “…the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel…”—Ephesians 3:6
- “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”—Galatians 3:26-27
- “…having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.”—Ephesians 2:15-16
Leaving a Legacy
Everyone wants to leave a lasting legacy to their children. However, when we look at who the family of God is, it’s not limited to only the immediate family, but the family of Believers. Therefore, leaving a legacy of faith means to sow into future generations by teaching your own children, as well as those God has placed in your path, to depend on God’s power and mercy in every situation and to seek His instruction.
“An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.”—Proverbs 20:21
FAQ’S
Q: I didn’t grow up in a family of strong faith. How do I ensure that I don’t repeat unhealthy family patterns?
A: When you come to know your Heavenly Father through Jesus, it can be hard to recognize the lies of the enemy that tell you to repeat unhealthy patterns of your earthly family. However, through continuous prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can have confidence that leads to breakthroughs and releases the heavy yoke of the enemy. Click [here] to listen to Rabbi Landry’s personal story of faith.
Q: How can I teach my children God’s Word?
A: Teaching God’s Word to your children is part of a lifestyle. For His Word to take root, it needs to be something that is part of everything you do.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, butyou shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”—Joshua 1:8
Q: How can I strengthen my marriage?
A: Strengthening your marriage is a continuous act. Putting aside your fleshly desires and seeking your spouse’s needs is essential. Encourage each other to grow in personal relationship with the Lord. Spend time together with the Word.
Q: How do I overcome rejection from family?
A: When one is abandoned or rejected by a member of their earthly family, a deep void is created. This void often makes it difficult to interact with and trust our God according to His design. Trust was broken in the past, and healing must take place to move forward with your future. Knowing the Father’s love is very important and necessary for a Believer to function as a healthy member of the Body of Christ. The feeling of rejection needs to be dealt with and cut off; then you must come into alignment with the promises of God as His child.
Q: How can I apply biblical principles to everyday family life?
A: Being in constant communication with the Holy Spirit—allowing Him to lead and guide you as a parent—takes you deeper into God’s instruction for your family. Teach your children to be in communication with the Holy Spirit.
Q: I have more questions. Where do I go?
A: You can download our FREE One New Man guide that answers questions about the feasts, the Jewish calendar, and more.If you would like prayer, please schedule a 1-on-1 personal prayer appointment with our prayer team and be encouraged as you receive direction and revelation. Watch our service’s weekly LIVE stream and gain more insights into the covenant relationship.