I was just thinking about what a wonderful thing God did when He designed the family. It is, in fact, the first institution He formed. Sadly, over the years, we humans have not taken care of this wonderful institution in the manner we should have. What is taking place worldwide is in direct opposition to what the Lord designed — child abuse, spousal abuse, sexual abuse, gender change and rebellious children.
The Family Defined
Robert Couchman said, “A true family consists of two or more people who unconditionally care for one another and share in the collective health and security of the unit, as well as supporting each member to secure his or her full potential and achieve personal fulfillment.”
Mike Novak wrote: “If things go well in the family, life is worth living; when the family falters, life falls apart.”
Those statements may mean little to some at first, but they are very true and describe some important facts:
• The family is the basis of life on this planet.
• The whole of society is enhanced or degraded by the effects of various families.
• The success of families in contributing to the betterment of society depends on each family member fulfilling their role in that family.
A Heavenly Design for an Earthly Designation
Marriage and the family are God’s design, not a design of man. Over the past 60 years of my ministry, I have incorporated in my wedding ceremonies something the great commentator Matthew Henry wrote: “Eve was not taken out of the head of Adam to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled on by him; but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him and near this heart to be loved by him.”
The marriage of a man and a woman and the procreation of the family is only an earthly designation… yet God designed it in Heaven.
God’s Design of One Husband for One Wife
Contrary to modern society’s thoughts, God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. Even before there were children, God designed how the couple would respond to “becoming one.” The departure from parents to become a family of their own was instructed early on. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen 2:24 NIV1984).
God’s criteria for marriage does not include homosexuality. God intends a man for a woman, not a man for a man and not a woman for a woman. God created Adam and Eve. He didn’t create Adam and Steve or Ada and Eve.
A Design of a Physical Sample for a Spiritual Setting
God has given criteria for His creation. He has set boundaries and guidelines. He has provided laws and restrictions. He has revealed His will and expectations which apply to the physical family relationship on planet earth. However, all that is but a sample of the great family in Heaven. You see, that is the rest of the story concerning God’s design for the family.
Jesus has chosen His bride, the church. That designates the importance of the family with God the Father and Jesus the Son. In that relationship, we see all the characteristics of what God designed for the earthly family. Jesus is the perfect example of faithfulness, protection and love for the bride.
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his wife has made herself ready” (Rev. 19:7).
