Importance of Family Devotion

God started the human race with one family – Adam, Eve and their children. In a sense, all humans are related by blood, as attested to by their genetic composition. The family unit is indeed the bedrock of any society; hence, dysfunctional families translate into a sick or broken society. This is the reason satan and his demons attack the family, especially marriages with every weapon in their arsenal. The only protection against the onslaught of the enemy is through the victory that Jesus won for humanity on the cross of Calvary.

We can only appropriate the victory of Christ by confessing our sins to the Father and believing that these sins were cancelled on the cross. Once we have done this, we have the foundation with which to build a relationship with God and to enjoy the eternal protection that He alone provides. This security is guaranteed to the entire family as stated in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

However, the Lord expects us to keep the fire of His Spirit burning in our homes by fellowshipping with Him continually through family devotions. According to the Academy’s Journal, family devotion essentially moves our spiritual lives beyond the church walls into an active thriving faith. This is a time set aside by husband and wife, or parents and kids to read the Bible and pray together. The goal is to strengthen the faith of everyone involved, as well as raise children who remain devoted to God as adults.

Another Christian organisation, Campus Crusade for Christ identifies 10 “Spiritual Disciplines” essential for spiritual upliftment of a family. These are:

0. Bible Reading
1. Bible Study
2. Bible Memorization
3. Prayer
4. Generosity
5. Fellowship
6. Fasting
7. Silence
8. Simplicity
9. Celebration

 Whatever we choose to do as a family to keep the fire of God burning, it is important that we make a habit of them. Lack of commitment in our pursuit of God and His ways would give the enemy an opportunity to derail us and cause confusion in our homes. There is nothing wrong with forming a habit, if this would reinforce our faith and keep us from opening our homes to satan and his demons. Let us learn to use every available time productively to serve God and bless humanity. Investing our time at home in this manner would pay off in the end as God is bound by His word to save our entire household.

******Some materials sourced from The Academy’s Journal, https://www.maranathabaptistacademy.com; 10 Spiritual Disciplines to Strengthen Your Faith, https://www.cru.org.