Family Matters

One of the great hallmarks of Christianity is the importance of the family. Even a cursory reading of the Bible, especially the New Testament, shows that God clearly values the family unit. Plenty of sociological, psychological and economic data proves that a stable home is the best place for the individual to thrive. Here in our own country many churches do a fantastic job of promoting families and encouraging their members to create loving homes, efforts that certainly are to be commended. Unfortunately, many times we are known in the media for what we are against, instead of what we are for. Christians are generally seen as a people who are against homosexuals, against divorce and against promiscuous sex, when we could just as easily be known for promoting two-parent homes, committed relationships and the trust and love that comes with monogamy.

Often our bad image comes as a result of the issues we choose to focus on. During the 1990s one didn’t have to look far to find a Christian leader condemning President Clinton for his extramarital affairs. This critique came because they claimed that the President was a role model, which meant he is harming families all across the nation by what his lifestyle was promoting. While that may verywell be true, I believe that in order to accurately reflect biblical doctrine, we must not simply condemn, but also must promote the good.

This past weekend President Obama made news for his weekend activities. He was seen attending his daughter’s soccer game, and then boarding a jet to take his wife out on a date. But instead of being praised for promoting the role of a good husband and father, he was attacked for “wasting tax-payer dollars.”

The current state of the family is certainly in disarray. Divorce, child-abuse (or neglect) and dysfunctional homes are all too common. That is why it should be so refreshing to see a man being there for his daughter, and showing love to his wife. Even if one disagrees with his policies, all Christians should applaud his commitment to his family. It is true that the President is an important role model, which is why we should all thank God that this president seems to believe that family does truly matter.