Sunday, March 12, 2023
I want to share with you a simple principle: A strong and radiant family’s members have fun and know how to laugh together. Scripture tells us, “I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, ESV)
When the writer refers to “the days of life under the sun” he is not talking about an all inclusive vacation in the tropics. Joy should not be dependent on circumstances but rather a disposition of the heart. We are called to spread joy and to nurture a beautiful atmosphere in our homes.
Unfortunately, joy is too often the missing ingredient in families that are too serious, too busy, structured or demanding. Let me remind you of three things.
- Your family is not a military training camp. Your children are not soldiers to be broken in.
- Your family is not a research lab either, and you are not scientists looking for the formula for a perfect family.
- Your family can and should take the essentials of a godly life seriously without taking themselves too seriously.
There is no such thing as a perfect family! So let’s learn to laugh at our imperfections. Here are some good questions to ask yourself: Do you play together? Are you laughing together? Are you contributing to bringing and maintaining an atmosphere of joy in your home? One of the fruits of the spirit is joy. Our responsibility as adults is to learn for ourselves, and show our children, that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
You are loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 