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EDITOR'S NOTE
The following material discusses "God's Family Values" from God's point of view. God and God's Family Values do not change. Even though society changes the standards for ethics, morals, family values, and many other things God's values remain as they were first revealed to man. Mankind may ignore or accept the teachings of God about the family and other areas whatever man chooses to do does not alter God's instruction. Whatever God has said about any subject is still God's instruction.
July 25, 2007 --- glclair@aol.com
GOD'S FAMILY VALUES
Garreth L. Clair
One of the great problems to social betterment and a return to reason in America and the rest of this world have to do with the re-establishment of God's Family Values. Recently I observed the following quotation in a national publication that ask the question "Who's Family Values?"
Indeed, one person's family values are as good as another person's opinions about family values. The issue is not anarchy that currently exists with regard to family values but what God has assigned for the family unit that HE has brought about and that HE approves. You see, "it is not in man that lives to direct his own steps" as the prophet of old has so well stated. Only God knows what kind of Family Values will accomplish the good needed to build happy and healthy (i.e., in mind and body) family units. Those happy and healthy family units that God approves are then the force that will build healthy and happy nations and honorable and just governments. As long as men and women disregard the instructions from the Creator, you can expect the moral and ethical circumstance in our nation and the world to continue. The only salvation for mankind in the coming years will be a return to God's Family Values that are revealed in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. Before you dismiss this introduction to our continuing dialogue relating to family values and accepted lifestyles according to God's written Word please read Romans 1:16-32 very carefully
TEXT FOLLOWS:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness;
19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, (even) his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:
21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves:
25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.
28 And even as they refused to have God in (their) knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful:
32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practice them. ASV)
Full text of "GOD'S FAMILY VALUES" follows:
CONTENTS
Page 1 Introduction to study
Page 2 Lesson I, "God's Family Values"
Page 4 Lesson II, "Acceptable and Unacceptable Alliances"
(i.e., Living Together Arrangements)
Page 6 Lesson III, "The One Parent Family Unit"
Page 7 Lesson IV, "Order of Authority In God's Family Unit"
Page 9 Lesson V, "More Family Values" Values -- An Update -- September
GOD'S "FAMILY VALUES"
Prepared by Garreth L. Clair
INTRODUCTION TO STUDY:
The definition of "FAMILY VALUES" has become somewhat obscure in today's society. The reason for the obscurity surrounding "FAMILY VALUES" discussions is the multitude of purely human based definitions of it. Since there are many different classes of people (i.e., Women's rights groups, homosexual groups, various ethnic groups, children's rights groups, etc.) with their own agenda and their own definition of "FAMILY VALUES" there seems to be no acceptable definition of "FAMILY VALUES" for all people. Yet there is one definition of "FAMILY and FAMILY VALUES" that cannot be wrong, that definition is the definition we find revealed to humanity within the Bible.
OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED
1. Everyone has a right under the Constitution of these United States to establish whatever lifestyle they want to establish.
ANSWER: The first objection is consistent with the mind of the person who is disinterested in spiritual considerations. The Citizen's rights in this country allow for the individual to establish whatever standard he/she desires, God, may be honored or dishonored under this guise. Yet, the person that truly seeks Divine guidance will submit to God's definition of the family and family values." One cannot be made to consider God's family values, one must, with there own ability to choose between God's values and man's values choose God's over men (i.e., the values of a hedonistic society).
2. My opinion about how I raise my family is my business and mine only.
ANSWER: From a purely humanistic point of view that is correct - but, if one desires to please God and live according to His directions (i.e., the Bible) one will submit to God's family values as revealed to him through the Bible.
3. Who do you think you are to tell me what my values ought to be?
ANSWER: I have no right to bind my views about anything on others - but God does. You see it is God that created us and He has the formula that will aid us in our journey from birth to the grave. If I want to please God and raise my family according to His instruction I will adjust my lifestyle (i.e., my family values) according to Biblical instruction and encourage others to do so as well. God's family values are not man's opinion but a value system founded upon the teaching of the Bible.
REMEMBER THIS FACT:
My personal views are of little value to man but the instructions that come from God about how I live my life here on this earth is of paramount value. I cannot please God and go eventually to heaven if I do not live my life after the Divine Pattern shown to me in God's Word (i.e., the Bible).
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What are the current ideas about family values in our society? _________________________________________________________________________
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How do most worldly people react to the Bible's teaching on Family Values?
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"GOD'S FAMILY VALUES" -- LESSON I
I. THE FAMILY UNIT:
At the outset let it be understood that the information in the following study comes from the teaching of the Bible on the "FAMILY" and "FAMILY VALUES." God clearly stresses the importance of the "FAMILY" and "FAMILY VALUES" throughout the Bible, God is therefore the author (i.e., originator) of the "FAMILY and of "FAMILY VALUES" The nature of the family unit is not an accident, God designed the family unit to consist of one man and one woman for life:
Genesis 2:18-25,
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Romans 7:1-3,
1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
1 Corinthians 7:39,
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
The facts revealed in the three references just read are God's law on the subject of the "FAMILY UNIT" from the creation. Yet, God has given one exception to His original law regarding this subject. The one exception is sexual unfaithfulness of one of the marriage partners, either the husband or the wife. Please observe the following Scriptural references that establish this as factual:
Matthew 19:9,
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, (i.e., all sexual immorality) and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Man must never break up a scriptural marriage for any cause; if the "FAMILY UNIT" breaks up at all it must be because of the adultery of one of the marriage partners. either the woman or the man. Marriage must be considered a lifelong contract between two people (i.e., a man and a woman) and the God who created them. Understanding the seriousness of marriage and divorce is surely incentive to stay married.
CONSIDER THIS:
The Scripture does give one reason for divorce (i.e., Matthew 19:9), yet the innocent party in the marriage may remain with the guilty spouse if it is possible. In many cases where one of the partners in a marriage has been unfaithful to their vow, the innocent party may forgive the guilty spouse thus keeping the marriage intact. If the innocent spouse cannot forget or abide under the stress, God allows that one to put away the guilty adulterer. It is always best to keep the marriage partners together, if possible.
If everyone would follow God's prescription for the family, there would be few divorces; there would be very few "one parent families." It is true that there are many problems that arise in the life of those that seek God's value system in marriage but find themselves living as a single parent due to no fault of their own, more will be discussed on this problem later in the study.
THIS FIRST POINT IS IMPORTANT, WITHOUT A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS SOCIETY CANNOT OVERCOME ITS PRESENT COURSE TOWARD A COMPLETE BREAK DOWN IN "GOD'S FAMILY VALUES."
Jeremiah's instruction to the people of his day about their inability to live right according to their own wisdom is very timely even for those of us living today, note the following reference:
Jeremiah 10:23,
23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. (KJV)
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"ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE ALLIANCES"
(Living together arrangements)
LESSON II
The nature of the "FAMILY UNIT" as described by God in the Bible does not allow for so called, "alternate life styles." God has established the family unit to consist of one man and one woman for life, with the addition of children as possible; this is God's design for the "PROPER FAMILY UNIT." Since God has the absolute right to establish the pattern for the family unit, man must not deviate from that pattern, to do so brings the wrath of God upon the transgressors.
II. UNACCEPTABLE, SO CALLED, ALTERNATE LIFE STYLES:
Today many in society have adopted a view that sex between two men or two women is acceptable and should be considered a normal life style (i.e., an alternate life style). This false view is pressed on the premise that each person has no control over their sexual preferences that persons are born to be either homosexual or heterosexual in their sexual preferences. This explanation is the most prevalent in contemporary society (i.e., discussed on daytime TV. talk shows, radio talk back programs, newspapers, tabloids, etc.). The view advocated by many leaders in our society today completely ignores the teaching of the Bible on the subject. Ignoring the Bible is the only way to justify this wickedness in our society - the Bible soundly condemns all forms of sexual perversion, please observe the following Scriptural passages in this connection:
Genesis 1:27,
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (KJV)
Genesis 2:21-24,
21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (KJV)
CONSIDER THIS:
These references show that God created the woman for the man. God called them man and woman (i.e., Adam and Eve). It is not irrational reasoning to suggest that if it had been possible for man's natural inclination to choose another man for a mate and Eve's natural inclination to choose another women for a mate God would have provided two men and two women in the creation process. This did not happen in creation because God created the woman for the man -- man was never created to naturally desire a man and woman was not created to naturally desire another woman. God has always condemned sexual relations between same sexes and also with other living creatures (i.e., animals), please observe the following Scriptural reference that establish the above view:
Leviticus 18:22-23,
22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.
Deuteronomy 27:21,
21 Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 6:9,
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Romans 1:27-28,
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (KJV)
SEE ALSO Leviticus 20:13; 1 Timothy 1:10; Romans 1:27-2:3
CONSIDER THIS:
The above verses of Scripture completely condemn the life style of the homosexual, lesbian, etc. Because these verses are in the Bible and are easily understood by the casual reader all those who practice a so-called "alternate life style" reject the Bible completely. These people know that the Bible condemns them and rather than repent of their sin they deny the Bible.
FURTHER CONSIDERATION:
Since God condemns homosexuality, etc., it would be unjust of God to condemn the ones who practice it if they were unable to stop doing it. God is not unjust; it is contrary to God's nature to show respect of persons. The homosexual possesses "free-moral-agency"; he like all sinners can repent and cease the practice of sin. So long as the homosexual persists in the practice of that sin he is lost, lost in the spiritual sense -- if he dies without repenting of that sin he will be cast into "GEHENNA" at the last day. The homosexual is simply practicing sin and all who die in their sin will be eternal condemned by God (John 12:48).
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 1:18-2:3 should be carefully considered by the student in a study of this subject, this passage clearly shows God's disfavor with those who have practiced this sin in past ages (i.e., Sodom and Gomorra, etc.). Homosexuality and sex with other living creatures is not acceptable to God, it is the practice of sin and Christ will eventually judge all who continue in it as transgressors. God is just, the homosexual that will turn to God on His terms will be saved from their sin and will enter heaven if they remain faithful till death, cf., Revelation 2:10b -- but no practicing homosexual is acceptable to God while continuing to living in that sin, cf., Romans 1:24-32.
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THE "ONE PARENT FAMILY UNIT" -- LESSON III
In family relationships there arises the "one parent family" for one reason or the other from time to time. This is not the ideal family situation yet there are times when it does occur. The "one parent family" is not necessarily displeasing to God; there may be justifiable circumstance for the existence of the "one parent family." In this third lesson in our series I present the teaching of the Bible on this continuing occurrence (i.e., the "ONE PARENT FAMILY UNIT") in our society today.
THE "ONE PARENT FAMILY UNIT"
Whenever "FAMILY VALUES" are discussed the reality of the "ONE PARENT FAMILY" inevitability arises. It is apparent to the casual observer that the one parent family is here to stay. Because of the reality of the one parent family the subject has to be addressed by those of us who constitute the church of Christ. The one parent family has become a fixture in every community in America today.
Whenever one searches the Scripture it is clear, there are at least three ways that the "ONE PARENT FAMILY UNIT" can exist with the approval of God, please note the following chart:
1. At the death of either the father or the mother in a family where children are a part of the "FAMILY UNIT." In such a case the surviving parent would be greatly handicapped in accomplishing all the things that the family might require. Yet the "one parent family" could please God by living, as God would have him/her to live and proceed to raise the children according to God's instructions.
2. The adultery of one of the parents may create a "ONE PARENT FAMILY" if the innocent party puts away the adulterer according to instructions in Matthew 19:9. In such a case the innocent party would continue to please God by serving Him and raising the children according to His instructions.
3. In the case of rape, a child is brought into the world and the father of the child is either unknown or will not marry the victim. In this case the laws of God have again been violated by one of the parents (i.e., the father); as a result a "one parent family" may be brought into existence. In such a case the mother (i.e., victim) may please God by continuing to live according to God's instructions and raise the child according to His instruction as well. In this case, (i.e., pregnancy resulting from rape) several problems are created that need to be resolved. One of the problems is the child itself and another is the mother's health and well-being. I will freely admit that I do not have all the answers to these problems but wisdom and experience dictates to me that abortion is not an option, perhaps adoption is.
CONSIDER THIS:
In each of the cases mentioned in this study, the probability that the single parent will eventually marry is extremely likely. Whenever a single parent considers marriage, he/she would do well to consider marring another Christian. The child of God should heed the instructions of the Holy Spirit in this matter, please observe the following Scriptural reference:
2 Corinthians 6:14-16,
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as
17 God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (KJV)
If at all possible -- Christians ought to marry Christians.
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ORDER OF AUTHORITY IN GOD'S FAMILY UNIT -- LESSON IV
Without a rule of authority for mankind to follow he will revert to anarchy. The rule of authority set forth by God (i.e., the instructions revealed to man by God through the Bible) is the only sure rule for man's physical and spiritual survival. There must be someone in charge in all areas of endeavor, if it be a construction job, in an office of 100 or 1,000; whenever two or more are united in a common effort someone must have the authority to direct the activities of the group. The "FAMILY UNIT" is a group effort pursuing a common goal; there must be a leader (i.e., someone in charge). In order for man to reach his true potential for good he must follow the only proven course that works, God's course (i.e., instructions). Please consider the following Divine ladder of "AUTHORITY."
1 Corinthians 11:3,
3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV)
The order of authority (i.e., subjection) is clearly stated in this passage of Scripture:
1. GOD IS HEAD OVER ALL.
(See 1 Corinthians 15:27 Number 2).
2. CHRIST IS HEAD OVER ALL EXCEPT THE FATHER.
1 Corinthians 15:27
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is accepted, which did put all things under him.
3. MAN IS HEAD OVER THE WOMAN/WIFE.
(See 1 Corinthians 11:3, text).
4. THE WOMAN IS SUBJECTED TO THE HUSBAND.
1 Peter 3:1-6
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
5. PARENTS ARE HEAD OVER THE CHILDREN.
Ephesians 6:1-3,
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Colossians 3:20,
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
6. CHILDREN ARE IN SUBJECTION TO GODLY PARENTS.
(See point number 5 above).
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION:
This point is very important in any discussion of "FAMILY VALUES." Without a proper respect for God's absolute authority (i.e., HIS ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO INSIST ON SPECIFIC RESPONSES FROM PEOPLE IN FAMILY SITUATIONS - God is in control of all things, His rights are unlimited (cf. Romans 9:20-21, "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?"). We become confused and unsure of our place in the family setting. We cannot listen to Sociologist, psychiatrists, sex and family therapist, and numerous other contemporary voices, all telling us some other way. We must get back to following God's line of subjection if we are to salvage our children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives from anarchy. We must follow God's order of subjection with regard to marriage, remarriage, family structure, and child rearing if the family is to survive.
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MORE "FAMILY VALUES"
LESSON V
1. God instructs that the husband in the family unit is to be the "PROVIDER."
This principle of "family responsibility" has not changed or been altered by God since recorded very early in man's relationship with God, please observe the following Scriptural references:
Genesis 3:17-19,
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shall thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shall eat the herb of the field;
19 In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it was thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shall thou return.
1 Timothy 5:8,
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (KJV)
2. In each family unit the concept of Biblical affections and care for one another is to be practiced and taught. Family love, affection, and care of each other are the foundation of" BIBLICAL FAMILY VALUES." (EACH FAMILY MEMBER HAS A PLACE OF EQUAL HONOR IN THE UNIT).
A. Love in family relationships. Fathers and mothers are to care for and nurture their children. A proper understanding of family roles will encourage fathers to labor diligently to provide the necessities of life for their family. Mothers will strive to be good wives and good mothers in the family unit so that the family will grow healthy bodies and minds. Together the parents will sacrifice so that their children will learn proper conduct, receive food, clothing, and shelter, proper medical attention, educational opportunities, etc.
Matthew 7:9-11,
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Ephesians 6:4,
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
B. Fathers and mothers must not abuse their children in any way. Children look to parents for proper guidance and instruction, if parents abuse their children physically, mentally, or sexually the parent is guilty of sin. One of the sins of the ancients that Paul listed in Romans 1:31 is "un-natural affections." which would include, among other sins, sexually abusing children or marriage partners and perhaps others.
3. Parents should live and teach their children the "work ethic." It is the responsibility of the home to teach the children that they must work to provide for themselves and for their family, someday. Children ought to be taught that work is profitable, work is honorable, work is a desirable thing, work pleases God, and laziness is dishonorable. Children need to know that honest work provides the necessities of life and that it also pleases God.
Proverbs 22:6,
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
4. We must show by our life and teaching that "MATERIALISM IS NOT THE ANSWER TO OUR PROBLEMS." The answer to all of our problems in life is a right relationship with God from the age of accountability to death - We need to put God and the things of God first in our life and encourage our family to do the same;
Luke 12:15,
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness (i.e., MATERIALISM): for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (KJV), emp. glc
Matthew 6:19-21,
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:33,
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
5. The concept of morals, (and/or morality, etc.) should be lived and taught in the family that subscribes to "God's Family Values."
A. What is morality? How it is best defined?
Morality is the proper and correct treatment of other people in all situations of life. It is the proper and correct treatment of our immediate family and our relatives. It is the proper and correct response to the laws of our land which include patriotism, paying taxes, obeying just laws, supporting and submitting to the powers over us in a proper way, etc. It is the proper and correct response to the sicknesses and diseases that come upon us and also recognizing the value of all human life, the Bible's concept of dying and death, and other related matters. It is the proper response to the hungry, the homeless, and poor people in our society, etc. (The proper response to all people related situations is revealed to us in God's Written Word -- cf., James 1:27; Galatians 6:10).
B. How can we agree on a standard of morality (i.e., moral conduct) in view of the diversity of peoples and races in the world? SIMPLY TURN TO GOD'S STANDARD (i.e., the Holy Scriptures).
Jeremiah 10:23,
23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
1 Corinthians 6:18-19,
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Ephesians 4:28-29,
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Matthew 22:36-39,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy soul and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.
C. Standards of Biblical morality.
(1) No sexual relationships outside marriage.
(2) Honesty is always proper conduct.
(3) Respect for the property and rights of other people always.
(4) Understanding that we must respect those older than we are (i.e., the aged, both men and women).
(5) Understand that we do not always win in every contest, sometimes we loose. Because we loose the game sometimes we should learn to be good losers as well as good winners.
(6) Understand that we should be respectful of others, use terms of respect when addressing them such as Mr. and Mrs.
(7) Pay our taxes.
(8) Be kind toward our neighbors.
(9) Give our employer 8 hours work for 8 hours pay.
(10) Respect the rights of all other people.
(11) Respect all human life including the unborn and the aged.
(12) Respect the sovereignty and sanctify of other families.
And much more!
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APPENDICES
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FAMILY VALUES -- AN UPDATE
Rhetoric and the Politicians.
"Family values" is again in the news as Colin Powell considers his run for the highest political office in America. The definition of "family values" must be defined again. You see, family values are different from one person or one action group to another. There are some people that define "family values" as that value system that is derived from humanistic origins (i.e., family values that are based upon "values clarification" concepts). Again, there are those that base their concepts of "family values" upon the current morals and ethics acceptable to society (i.e., what is in vogue at the present moment). Again, there are those that base their "family values" upon cultic, and /or false religious standards (i.e., the Koran, the Old Testament alone, the Book of Mormon, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, etc). Then there are those that base their "family values" on the teaching of the Bible (i.e., the 66 Books of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures). Of these differing concepts only one of them is acceptable to the Creator (i.e., God of the Bible), that is "family values" that are based upon the teaching of that Book.
Conflicting Standards Further Examined.
Whenever one hears the call for "family values" one must be careful of the speakers' definition of his subject, he may mean something entirely different than the Biblical teaching of "family values." As one can see from the first paragraph of our appendices, some "family values" are contrary to the teaching of the Bible and therefore should be rejected by the Christian. Only that value system that is rooted in the Bible is acceptable to the true Christian. To accept any "family value" system that that will lead one to a lifestyle that is condemned by God's value system is destructive to the Christian and to all mankind and must be rejected. You see, there is only one true source of "TRUTH", that is the Bible, cf., John 8:32, "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." -- John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." (ASV) Consequently: be careful of the rhetoric of politicians, labor leaders, school teachers, and anyone else that introduce their so called "family values", make sure that their values are based upon the correct standard (i.e., God's Written Word), before you support them or their views.
Build your "lifestyle" Carefully.
It is not too difficult to construct a lifestyle that is built upon God's "family value" system, simply follow the Written Word, (i.e., the Bible). The Bible will lead any sincere and honest person to knowledge capable of correctly building an acceptable "family value" system. The orderly procedure for building such a life consists of:
1. First, become a Christian. Becoming a Christian is the initial step in building a God approved lifestyle, cf., Jer 10:23, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (KJV) Since it is not in man's capabilities with his own devices to accomplish his salvation he is to seek God's instruction in this matter, follow His Revelation.
2. Secondly, determine to faithfully conform as you acquire more knowledge about living acceptably before God from His Written Word, cf., 2 Tim 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (KJV)
3. Thirdly, become an active participant in the affairs of the church of which you are a member, also become active in all areas of community life so that your lifestyle may become an influence to others who reside in darkness.
4. Finally, as a Christian living a Godly lifestyle always practice all of the Christian's morals and ethics, always demonstrate your love for neighbors, love for God, and love for your brethren in the church, cf.. Luke 10:27-28, "And he answering said, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shall live" -- Gal 6:10, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith." -- James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (ASV)
Prepared by Garreth L. Clair: June 5, 1987
UPDATES TO BODY OF BOOKLET:
Updated: October 15, 1995
Updated: Saturday, December 12,1998 Updated: Sunday, February 13, 2000 Updated: Monday, July 05, 2004 Updates: Monday, June 26, 2006
CONTACT - glclair@aol.com or glclair@sbcglobal.net
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