The evidence is convincing that the better our relationships are at home, the more effective we are in our careers. If we’re having difficulty with a loved one, that difficulty will be translated into reduced performance on the job.
In studying the millionaires in America (U.S. News and World Report), a picture of the “typical” millionaire is an individual who has worked eight to ten hours a day for thirty years and is still married to his or her high school or college sweetheart.
A New York executive search firm, in a study of 1,365 corporate vice presidents, discovered that 87% were still married to their one and only spouse and that 92% were raised in two-parent families.
The evidence is overwhelming that the family is the strength and foundation of society. Strengthen your family ties and you’ll enhance your opportunity to succeed.
The State of the Family (SOFA)
The State of the Family (SOFA) greatly affects the behavior of each member of the family as an:
- Individual
- Employee
- Member of the family of God
- Parent in the future
What is your SOFA today? Is it in a good state, better state, or best state? Or is it in a bad state, worse state, or worst state?
Whatever your SOFA is right now, it is always our decision what state we want our family to have.
Like Joshua in our core verse, he took a stand for his family amidst the prevalent sin of idolatry during that time. He chose to bring his family closer to God by serving Him because he loved his family.
Joshua knew that it is only in God that his family would be protected, provided for, and cared for in the best condition—not just good or better, but God’s best.
If we truly love our family—whether you are a parent, a son, or a daughter— you need to decide which path your family will take.
Fighting for Your Family
As I was praying for this message, I came across a video by Ptr. Rick Warren entitled “How to Fight for an Awesome Family”. It aligned perfectly with what the Lord impressed upon my heart.
Fighting for your family should be your ultimate goal—not fighting with your family. The latter is exactly what the enemy wants.
Remember Satan’s agenda in John 10:10—to kill, steal, and destroy—and he often starts within the family, especially targeting Christian families.
Common Ways the Enemy Attacks Families
- Economy: Parents focus solely on work and neglect quality time with their family.
- Spiritual: Church conflicts cause family members to stumble and drift away from fellowship.
- Social Media: Exposure to content that degrades moral values, leading to conformity with the world instead of alignment with God.
Four Traits of an Awesome Family
1. Playful (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
Awesome families make time to play, laugh, and enjoy one another. King Solomon said, “So I commend the enjoyment of life.” God wants us to enjoy the gift of life—not merely endure it.
It’s not about what you have, but who you have. Material things are temporary, but the joy that comes from God is eternal.
2. Encourage Growth (Luke 2:52)
- Wisdom (Intellectual): Education, learning, and developing talents
- Stature (Physical): Proper nutrition, health, and care
- Favor with God (Spiritual): Growing in God’s Word and church life
- Favor with Men (Social): Confidence and healthy relationships
3. Protect Each Other (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
Everyone faces storms in life. Having family—whether by blood or faith— gives us strength, security, and support in difficult times.
4. Serve God and Others (Hebrews 10:24)
A family aligned with God’s Word and united with one another will live in harmony, encouraging and uplifting each other.
We become an awesome family by choice. Joshua chose to serve the Lord with his household.
What about you?