![[Photo of a dad and boy on swing with words superimposed]](http://www.deankwilson.com/Blog_images/do_things_that_count.jpg)
| “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” |
| —Proverbs 1:8 |
In almost every case, the ultimate direction of children is set by their parents. Study after study has proven the value of a nuclear family unit where a father and mother teach solid Judeo-Christian values to their children.
In a society that increasingly celebrates a broad definition of diversity, certain well-established truths sometimes seem to become ignored.
Yes, in the reality of some particular situations, “some family” is better than no family. And, though quite rare, it is also possible to cite individual cases where non-nuclear families have produced well-adjusted children. But, in both cases, I fear that this “evidence” actually stands as outliers, where the “exception proves the rule.”
As Christians within the community of believers, we need to stand ready to help orphans and single-parent families to the maximum of our ability. We need to extend God-breathed love and also practical assistance. We need to support these dear ones with strong and caring arms of love.
We also need to encourage, value, and celebrate those mothers and fathers who work hard to form and maintain nuclear family units.
King Solomon expressed a worthy sentiment most eloquently in the opening verses of his Book of Wisdom, as recorded in Proverbs 1:8-9:
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
Let us pray that, in His mercy and great grace, God will strengthen and preserve our family units. And, may fathers and mothers teach their children the values of right living through the life-transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Where our fellowships include orphans and single-parent families, let us do all we can to love them and support them.
