Where Have All The Families Gone?

Where Have All The Families Gone?

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24

The family is the oldest establishment ordained by God. It was established before any nation or government system, even before man had sinned and fallen from God's perfect fellowship. While it has continued several thousand years, the institution which is the glue that holds a civilization and country together is crumbling in America and has been under attack for several years. Recently we were all shocked by learning that 11 third grade students had plotted to kill their teacher. They were so organized that each had an assignment, even one to clean the floor after the ordeal. It's not certain what types of homes these children are from so we can't pass judgment on specifics, but when we hear of appalling incidents such as this occurring in our schools and homes, we have to wonder what's happening to our families and nation. According to the U. S. Census Bureau in 2000 the American family which consists of two parents and one or more children under 18 represented only 23.5% of all American households, down from 45% in 1960. Families maintained by women with no husband present increased by 21% while married-couple families only increased by 7%. Also, it is a well-known fact that at least half of the marriages are ending in divorce. Of course we must take into consideration that Americans are living longer therefore there are more homes with one person, but that doesn't account for all. What's happening?

First, immorality in our nation is a serious problem. For example 41% of American women ages 15-44 have cohabited or lived with an unmarried different-sex partner at some point. According to the U. S. Census Bureau the number of unmarried couples living together increased 72% between 1990 and 2000. Holy matrimony is less regarded and sex outside of marriage unfortunately is basically the norm. Secondly, the persistent love for money, pleasure, and things are also killing us as a nation. With both man and wife pursuing full time careers and the children being steeped in all kinds of activities, there is rarely a time when they all can sit down to a meal together, so much of the time even "normal" families just cohabitate. Thirdly, Hollywood has little regard for the family and what scraps are thrown our way is only to satisfy and keep some of the audience. The divisiveness of pornography and dating services on the Internet have done their part to divide and put asunder many homes. The fourth and most important is the liberalizing of the church to fit into this current society. This is the main factor and reason for our country's downhill slide. Because of compromise, the power of God is lost. The Bible is not preached as the authoritative Word of God and there is less and less regard for it as a rule for everyday living. It has been replaced by a type of Christian humanism which is humanism with a "Christian" slant.

What is the solution? The male should be the spiritual leader in the home. This is ordained by God and the man should love his wife and children like Christ loved the church, which is a sacrificial love. If he isn't the spiritual leader, it's left to the woman but this is not God's real plan. Much has been placed on our ladies today that God did not intend. Finally, both husband and wife have the responsibility to teach the children right from wrong and the principles of Scripture. This is God's simple plan and one that works when applied, This is the reason Satan is fighting it so hard. He knows that strong families make strong churches, and strong churches can make a strong nation.

We must recognize that there are many single parents that have become that way not always by choice. They need encouragement and moral support. Our seniors have a great deal of wisdom and can be an example to the younger and teach the young women to love their husbands as scripture calls for. But Jesus Christ must be the head of all no matter what type of household, and without him we will not stand in this life or in the judgment. No matter if you are alone or have a large family, please surrender your heart to Jesus Christ and ask him to become your savior. If you have not been on speaking terms with him, re-open the relationship before it's too late. He's waiting for you.