4 Keys To Keeping Faith In The Family

Louise and I are thankful that faith can be found in and amongst our family. There’s nothing more special than seeing those you love most growing in their own relationship with their saviour, Jesus Christ. This is not to say it’s always been easy, without challenges or doubt. The opposite is true. As we all navigate the journey of faith there are highs, lows and then come seasons that seem more like a plateau - uneventful and ordinary. The life of faith in our family is one of constant testing, of entrusting our days into the hands of a God we know is so close, yet at the same time can feel far away.

Whether you’re a parent, married or single and part of the ever growing family of God, we all have one thing in common - we want our faith to keep growing. Why? Because through faith we find peace in eternity and strength for today.

Ephesian 2:8-9 NIV

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

In this post I want to share 4 essential keys that are foundational to us for keeping faith in our family;

1. Pray Daily

Prayer is powerful and essential if you want to build a foundation of faith in your family. Louise and I have found over the years that prayer is an anchor that keeps our family centred around Christ and His will for our lives.

Whilst the Bible is full of wisdom on how to pray and what to pray about, here are a few things we can pray over our family daily;

• Pray a hedge of protection around them (Psalm 34:7, 139:5)

• Pray that they know how precious they are to God (Ephesians 2:10)

• Pray that they know God’s love for them is real and everlasting (Psalm 103:17)

• Pray that God fills them with joy and peace (Romans 15:13)

• Pray that they become a blessing to everyone they meet (1 Peter 3:9)

• Pray that they listen to His Word and do what it says (Luke 11:28)

• Pray that they stay close to God (James 4:8)

Psalm 34:7 NIV

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Romans 15:3 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Prioritise Jesus & His Church

If you want to keep faith in your family, prioritise Jesus and His Church above all else. We’ve heard many people say that you can be a Christian and not attend Church but I like to remind people of how precious the Church is to Jesus!

Colossians 1:18 NIV

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Whilst we must concede that there are no perfect churches, we can remind ourselves of the benefits of being an active part of local community of believers; it’s where we grow, serve others, find purpose and accountability.

The local church is a place our children can discover their God-given gifts and express themselves in worship. They hear the word preached and find friends and role models they can follow in the faith.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

It is so easy, due to the busyness and pressures of life to prioritise other things and see Jesus and His Church as optional. Let me offer a word of caution and ask you to stay centred around the things of God so that faith can be found in your family for many generations to come.

3. Persevere Through Tough Times

Life sometimes just kicks you in the face! And it hurts too. This life of faith isn’t all sunny days and soothing breezes - wouldn’t that be nice? The Bible is clear about the trials and tests we will face but also encourages us to persevere through them and keep doing good.

Galatians 6:9 NIV

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

There have been so many times Louise and I have felt like the wind has been taken from our sails when there is strife, hurt or pain in the family. We can testify about many seasons when we’ve had to get our fight face on and dig deep for the sake of our family. You may be living in the stretch right now; don’t give up. Pray. Confess The Word. Pray again. Stand firm. Be strong and courageous!

Isaiah 54:13 NIV

All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.

Whilst meditating on this message I was reminded of the story of the lost son in Luke 15:11-32. For many years the youngest son was away from his father, living his own life, going his own way. It took a moment of him coming to his senses for him to repent and return to his father.

Luke 15:25 NIV

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Luke 15 is not only beautiful picture of salvation and restoration, but also a powerful reminder to never give up on your children or family members that are in a place far from God.

4. Practice What You Preach

There is one guaranteed way to see faith evaporate from your family and that is to say one thing about living for Christ and doing something completely different. We are all called to be examples in our faith to everyone but especially to those we call family.

Ephesian 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Matthew 5:16 NIV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

And what exactly are we supposed to be an example in? Everything! Our children are watching us and they will know if we are living life of faith or a life of fake. What they see will profoundly impact the faith in your family.

Finally

Of course these 4 keys to keeping faith in the family are not an exclusive group or a magical formula - between us we could add many, many more. They are simply 4 things Louise and I place importance on and have proven fruitful.

What else would you add to our 4 keys?