Attitude is defined as “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.” Our attitude toward others is lived out in how we value and treat them. This is no different between husband and wife than it is between parent and child. I recently read behind Billy Graham and he penned these words, “The reason the family is in critical condition today is that we have neglected His rules for a successful home.” He is speaking of the instructions given us in the Bible by our Heavenly Father.
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:13 (NKJV)
Billy Graham goes on to say that “We have put self in place of sacrifice.” It would serve each home well if mom and/or dad reflected on that declaration. Have I focused more on self and not “serving” my family and their needs? The true answer comes in our level of frustration and bitterness over the demands and needs of our family. How would my family answer that question about me? Do you find it easy to spend the family budget on things you want but struggle when it comes to the needs of the other family members? Do you find interruptions in your plans by the needs of other family members irritating?
Second Timothy 2:23-24 (NLT): “Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.”
As a parent, do you find your thoughts and devotions affixed to things that you want or demand in contrast to considering your spouse and children’s needs? In our “me-culture attitude,” we can easily be deceived into thinking that we matter more in the grand picture. The problem comes when our selfish attitude hurts our family and defies God’s design for the family.
“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
Galatians 6:7-10 (NLT)
Do I value things more than I value my family members? What must I do? We get on our hands and knees and ask God to change us into what He would have us to be. “Thank you, Lord, for my faith and changed life; help me to know Your Will; give me spiritual wisdom and understanding, help me to live to honor and please you, give me more knowledge of Yourself, give me strength for endurance and patience, and fill me with joy and thankfulness” (Colossians 1)
