Your family doesn’t come ahead of your ministry. Your family IS your first ministry!

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Most agree that the Bible verse above refers to financial provision. God is not in the business of asking us to consistently neglect our families in order to further His kingdom. In fact, Scripture teaches that a man is only to be given a public ministry after he has proven his leadership abilities with his own family. The qualification for a public ministry is proven character, not giftedness.

Jesus asked the question, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Another question worth pondering is: “What does it profit a man if he should win the whole world and lose his own family?”

Does Christ give a man a wife and children and then ask him to willfully neglect them? That makes no sense. It’s inconsistent with the character of God.

For followers of Jesus, it’s your job to fulfill the Great Commission. And the heart of the Great Commission is to make disciples. For those who have a family, that starts in your own homes. You need to spend time with your spouse and children – quantity time, which leads to quality time.

Are you suffering from the fruit of a neglected family?
If so, what steps can you take to change that?

Prayer Power
Abba, thank You that I can call You Father. Thank You that both of my parents have always prioritized each other and their family during their 50+ years of marriage. Forgive me for the times in my past when I have claimed my top priorities are God, family, and work in that order, but have established habits that reveal something very different. Have mercy on me O LORD. Bless me to maintain a healthy balance for the most important things in my life. Protect me from the ambush of a neglected family and surround my family with Your love and Your protection. I ask You to do likewise for the readers of this message. Thank You Jeshua! Amen.

Blessings of the Day

1) Quality Family Time: It’s All In The Balance!

2) The Family You’ve Always Wanted – Gary Chapman – Today’s Christian Videos

Related Articles

• Finishing Strong – Introduction
• Finishing Strong – Avoiding the 3 Ambushes
• Finishing Strong – The Ambush of Another Woman
• Finishing Strong – Avoiding the Ambush of Money
• Finishing Strong – Avoiding the Ambush of a Neglected Family

Blessings to avoid the ambush of a neglected family!