This week I had the privilege of speaking in a special seminar on the Christian home. The people in attendance were young and old, single and married, people with children and grandchildren. It was a reminder to me that there are seasons of life and family, and at every season we need God’s wisdom!
If anyone tells you they have a perfect family…run! Sometimes those who look like they have it all together are coming apart at the seams. There are no perfect families because we are all sinners. I have a long way to go as a husband and father, but I am grateful to God for my family and want to become more of what He wants me to be.
A host of books that have been helpful to me and my family at different stages on our journey. It would be impossible to identify all of them in this brief article. Permit me to recommend a handful that may be a blessing to your home…
The Christian Home by Clarence Sexton (This book helped to shape my thinking about what a truly Christian home looks like according to Scripture. It was my privilege to teach through it many times with both young people and married adults and it has great application for people of any age.)
Love Life for Every Married Couple by Ed Wheat (Tammy and I were given this book when we first were married. It is written by a Christian medical doctor and addresses each aspect of married love. This is a good book for those who are just starting out, but it is also a good resource for those who need to rekindle their love.)
Are We There Yet? by Paul and Terrie Chappell (This book, written with a “travel” theme, gives helpful counsel for all of us who are on the journey of life together. Its subtitle says it best: Marriage – A Perfect Journey for Imperfect Couples. An enjoyable read.)
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp (Our most precious gifts are the children God gives us. It is the responsibility of each parent to help guide their own children to God. Tripp does a wonderful job of helping parents see their role as shepherds in the home. This book will challenge you and instruct you to take care of your own flock!)
King Me – What Every Son Wants and Needs From His Father by Steve Farrar (I have recommended a number of Farrar’s books and appreciate his depth and application. This book is convicting. It will help you think biblically about your children and the next generation.)
Finally, let me share a volume that I have just come across and am beginning to read that you may be interested in: How To Raise Your Children for Christ by Andrew Murray. Murray is often referred to as a “mystic” because he wrote mostly devotional writings. It is significant that this man who placed such emphasis on prayer and th Holy Spirit has written a handbook on child rearing. Just a brief glance at the book suggests this is something that will help us all.
As parents we like to think that we are the teachers, and in relationship to our children we should be. However, the Christian home is God’s classroom – the place where the greatest lessons of life are learned – and the real Teacher is the Holy Spirit. We are ALL students in His school!
Ask the Lord to teach you the lessons you need to learn and keep a teachable heart. May God help each of us to do our “homework.”
Read each article in this series:
5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)
5 Books To Read For Bible Study
5 Books To Read On Prayer + 1 I’m Reading Now
5 Books To Read On The Holy Spirit
5 Books To Read On Great Christians
5 Books To Help With Your Personal Devotions
5 Books To Read On Living A Victorious Christian Life
5 Books To Read When You Are Having A Hard Time
5 Books To Read On Church Ministry
5 Books To Read To Help Young People
