Seeking Truth in a Maelstrom of Uncertainty
One of the challenges facing people today is the sifting through the information presented to us in the media in…
When the Church of Scotland adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith, it contained this provision. “God is to be worshipped everywhere, in spirit and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself.” David Wegener explains,
The Puritans saw the family as a “little church” within the church and the elders held fathers accountable to lead their families in worship. Those who failed in this duty were censured. Throughout church history, periods of renewal in doctrine and devotion have corresponded with a resurgence of family worship. In times of spiritual decline, however, the practice of family worship was irregular or non-existent.
The Puritans recognized that one of the responsibilities that God gives parents is to help their children know God and to understand his will.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deut 6:6-7)
The Apostle Paul lays this responsibility particularly on the shoulders of fathers. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4)
The Bible exalts in the rich benefits given to those who devote themselves to faithfulness in applying the word to their own hearts and in shepherding their families.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the Lord. (Psalm 128:3-4)
One of the best ways for husbands and fathers to spiritually lead their families is to regularly conduct a time of family worship. If you do not have a regular pattern of family worship, I strongly encourage you to begin one. This should be rather simple and not require too much preparation. The most important preparation of course is one’s own heart (Deut 6:6).
1) Find a time where the family is regularly gathered together. After meals or immediately before retiring to bed are good times.
2) Begin with a hymn, a catechism question, or memory verse. Practice one a week or until sufficiently memorized.
3) Read a brief passage of Scripture or a chapter from a Bible story book. Obviously, this is needs to be tailored to the ages of the children.
4) Ask questions in order to help them understand the meaning of the passage. A good study Bible is a helpful tool.
5) Discuss its implications upon your lives.
6) Identify a concrete point of application for prayer and accountability.
7) Pray about the passage and other needs.
I imagine that such an endeavor might initially seem daunting. But like learning to surf or ski, it is worth crashing a few times to get into the habit and reap the benefits (Psalm 128).
