Cultivating a Family of God and Walking in the Message of the Hour
In today's world, building a family that reflects the love, grace, and truth of God requires intentionality, commitment, and walking in alignment with God’s Word. A family of God, and one that walks in the Message of the Hour, doesn't just attend church but one that lives out their faith in every aspect of life, parents and children. Parents have a special responsibility to ensure that they not only teach their children about God but also model a Christ-centered life that is consistent, accountable, and rooted in love and truth.
Steps for Fathers and Mothers to Cultivate a Godly Family
Let's go through a few thiings that we have to make sure are in place. These principles are at the core of ensuring your family has a strong foundation you are able to build from.
- Establish Christ as the Center
- The foundation of any godly family starts with placing Christ at the center of everything. This means prioritizing time with God both individually and as a family through daily prayer, worship, and cultivating an atmosphere the Holy Spirit is pleased to dwell. If you have rock music constantly playing in the home, don't be suprised if there is tension in the home or your children are dealing with anxiety. The atmosphere in the home is affected by things like music and movies. Establishing Christ as the center is not just reading the Bible, but paying attention to the atmosphere of the home. However, we should also set time aside for time in the Word. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV) reminds us, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
- Make family worship a regular part of your routine. Create time for praying together, reading Scripture, and discussing what it means to walk in Christ, and walk in the Message of the Hour—the present truth that God has revealed for this time.
- Foster a Strong, Godly Marriage
- A strong and godly family begins with a strong marriage. Parents must prioritize their relationship with each other before their children, seeking to reflect Christ's love in their marriage. Children see this, and it has a positive effect when Mom and Dad are strong in their relationship. Ephesians 5:25 (KJV) says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” When parents love and respect each other according to God's design, they create a stable and nurturing environment for their children.
- Be open with your spouse, pray together, and hold one another accountable in your walk with God. A godly marriage sets the tone for the entire household and provides a model of faithfulness, love, and commitment for children to follow.
- Model Authentic Faith, Avoid Hypocrisy
- One of the most damaging things to children is seeing parents say one thing and live another. Accountability is key. Parents must ensure they live out the values and principles they teach. If children see hypocrisy—parents telling them to live for God but not doing so themselves—it will imprint on them, often leading to rebellion or a superficial faith.
- James 1:22 (KJV) instructs us, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Your children will notice if you’re just going through the motions or if you are genuinely living for the Lord. Make sure your life aligns with your teaching, and be quick to admit when you’ve fallen short. Humility and repentance in front of your children demonstrate true godliness.
- Encourage Personal Relationships with God
- Children need to understand that their relationship with God is personal. It’s not enough for them to simply follow their parents to church or participate in family devotions; they need to experience God for themselves. Encourage your children to pray, read the Bible, and seek God independently, even from a young age.
- Philippians 2:12 (KJV) says, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Help your children understand that they are responsible for their walk with God and that they must develop their own relationship with Him, built on their own faith, not just the example of their parents.
- Teach Respect for Church and the Lord
- While developing their own personal relationship with God is essential, teaching children to respect church, the Word of God, and the leaders God has placed in their lives is also vital (Ensuring your church leadership is accountable to the Word as well). Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) instructs, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” Show your children that attending church and listening to the Word is not about fulfilling a duty but about growing in their relationship with Christ.
- At the same time, ensure they know that their faith isn’t just about rules and rituals but about walking in the Message of the Hour and obedience out of a servants heart. They must learn to walk with God personally, not simply out of obligation.
- Create an Environment of Accountability and Grace
- Accountability is a key component of a godly home. Parents need to hold themselves and their children accountable to the Word of God. Create a culture where honesty, repentance, and forgiveness are regular practices. Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” If a family is accountable to one another, the members will grow spiritually and be more united.
- However, accountability should always be paired with grace. When mistakes are made, offer correction in love, not in anger. Ephesians 4:15 (KJV) teaches us to speak “the truth in love,” which helps the family grow in both character and spiritual maturity.
- Lead with Intentional Discipleship
- Discipleship is not just for the church; it starts in the home. Make it a priority to teach your children about God’s Word, the Message of the Hour, and how to live it out in their daily lives. Proverbs 4:1 (KJV) says, “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.”
- Have intentional conversations about Scripture, faith, and moral decisions. Equip them to handle the world’s temptations and challenges through a biblical lens. Let your home be a place of learning, love, and spiritual growth.
- Involve the Entire Family in Ministry
- Cultivating a family of God involves serving others. Find ways to get your entire family involved in ministry—whether through serving in church, helping the community, or encouraging others in their walk with God. 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV) says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” When your family serves together, it not only strengthens your bond but also reinforces the importance of living out your faith in practical ways.
The Impact of Consistency and Faithfulness
Parents, remember that children will mirror what they see more than what they hear. If your walk with the Lord is inconsistent, your children will likely adopt the same attitude. However, if you are faithful, authentic, and accountable, your children will be much more likely to grow in their faith and develop their own personal relationship with God.
Proverbs 20:7 (KJV) reminds us, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." A family that walks consistently with the Lord, led by parents who are accountable to God and each other, is a powerful testimony to the world and a blessing to future generations.
A Family Walking in the Light
Building a family of God that walks in the Message of the Hour takes dedication, intentionality, and a commitment to accountability. Parents must model a life lived for the Lord, not just in words but in action. They must foster strong, godly marriages and create an environment where their children are encouraged to develop personal relationships with God.
When each family member—father, mother, and child—has a genuine relationship with God, the entire family becomes a powerful force for His Kingdom. The home becomes a reflection of God’s love, grace, and truth.
Let your family be one that not only respects the Lord and His Word but knows Him deeply, walks in the Message of the Hour, and lives out the truth in every aspect of life.
