Secret to Family Unity

A major issue has come to the light causing much pain and unhappiness in the lives of thousands of children and adults alike. Regardless of a person's religious belief or denomination, the state of the family unit is a concern on the minds of many.

The family plays a vital role in society. Strong families create strong societies with good morals and values. Today's society is in crisis. The influence of individualism, stress, and economic problems is causing both the immediate family and extended family to weaken. Elderly ones that should be respected and cherished are viewed as a burden and often abused. Divorce has become the norm. In addition, teenage rebellion, child abuse, spousal abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse and other devastating problems are robbing families of their joy and strength. Life appears to be in constant turmoil because lifestyles today are out of control. Facts show time and time again that these problems all start at home.

Much advice to correct the problem is offered in the way of counselors and self help publications. Often though, these sources have opinions that are contradictory or confusing. Where can a true source for family unity be located? A reliable guide with advice that is always true and straightforward is the bible. The bible states at 1 Timothy 3:16 that it is beneficial for teaching, reproving and setting things straight. This is what is required in today's society, good old fashioned straightening out. Many people have learned the secret to family happiness by accepting the bible's counsel and applying it to their daily lives. It urges families to keep a healthy balance. These simple efforts can restore love and unity to any family.

Quality Time at Home
My Mother always told me that home is the place you come to in order to get away from all the craziness of people and the world. Home should be a place of comfort and loving support. Stress and anxiety are not created by other people but by the person allowing it into their life. Is a job more important than your spouse, child or parent? Before there was over time work and fast food places, there was family dinner time. Family meal time is a good place to start with quality time at home. By doing so, you are able to discuss events of the day in a light hearted atmosphere. It relaxes us to share, smile and be kind to one another. This one effort can open the doors to make further room for family time at home and better communication.

Good Communication
Both young and old must do their part when it comes to the lines of communication. Education is the key in this situation. People know how to hear, but rarely take the time to listen to each other. People must be taught how to be open, honest and empathetic. With these skills in place, you learn how to treat one another with love and respect. Knowing that someone loves you unconditionally and will listen to you in confidence helps the lines of communications flow freely. These things add value, meaning and quality to brighten and strengthen family even during difficult times.

Discipline and Respect
It seems that discipline has become distorted over time. Many mistake it for trying to control a person or beat them into submission to their will. This is not what God intended for discipline is training that corrects attitudes and behaviors and it includes good communication. Today's youth run rampant demanding that people respect them as they deliver disrespect in the process. In truth, they are crying out for discipline. Proverbs 29:17 NWT says: "Chastise your son and he will bring you rest and give much pleasure to your soul." The bible further points out how proper disciple is proof to a child that you love them. From experience, the majority of young people and adults alike, husband and wife, respond well to one other and return respect when discipline administered like the other person is just that, a person.

Bible Study
We all want to have happy lives. Learning to better cope with the problems of family life and developing some simple necessary skills will help you achieve that success and continue to live it on a daily basis. Making time to study the bible on a regular schedule will help you to grow as a person, first and foremost, and secondly as a family. In order to be a good member of a team, you must first have something good to offer it. Bible study will assist in this area. To bring the family and even the extended family together, hold a weekly family bible study or attend one at your local place of worship. The principles work for everyone regardless of faith if you apply them.

A little personal effort put forth with some great team work will help restore the family unit and bring joy back into homes. The bible holds the secret on how to make this happen successfully. He is the Creator and 'the Father, to whom every family owes its name.' (Ephesians 3:14, 15 NWT) Throughout history, those who apply his principles experience tremendous happiness as a family unit.