W h e th e r o r not you have fam ily devotions
A mong all Christian activities, none is more important than family devotions. Attendance at church and prayer meeting, as im portant as they are, can never take the place of the family altar. Here is where Christians develop Christian character, receive godly instruction and learn to walk intimately with the Lord. The very heart of Christian train ing is centered in family devotions. For dynamic Christian living, this daily experience is indispensable. An outstanding Christian leader once said, “ I have observed that a child of 12 or 14 who has taken part in family devotions all his life, usually knows more about the Scriptures and more about godly living than others who have not had family devotions even though they may be seminary graduates!” God’s word is very plain concern ing the family’s responsibilities -— “ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6: 6 ,7 ). One can imagine that as God looks down upon us each day, noth ing rejoices His heart more than see ing a family gathered around the precious Word of God, worshiping, praying and learning of Him. In the Scriptures we read, “ All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” The Right Time In days past, the selection of a time for family devotions may not have been a great problem. However, our present, complex, industrial society demands various schedules of travel and work, and some families experi ence considerable difficulty finding an appropriate time when the entire family can be together. No doubt the morning offers one of the best times inasmuch as it helps to set a pattern for the day. However, some families meet after the evening meal or just
before bed time. But the most im portant consideration is the establish ment of a regular time when all can attend. In some families this may re quire an adjustment in family rou tine. Parents may have to retire for bed at the same time and arise the next morning together. But this is as it should be and it is surely not too great a sacrifice if it promotes a time that is convenient for the family’s most important activity. Full Participation Family devotions are for every member of the family. They should be geared toward the level of the younger members so that all may re ceive the most benefit from them. In some families one adult, usually the father, calls the family together, reads the Bible to them and then prays. Actually this is not a family devotion. This is merely father having his own devotions with all of the family watching him! Needless to say there are much better ways of conducting devotions. We gain the most when we are personally involved in them. There should be participation by every member. Even very young chil dren can have some part in family devotions. Rotating the Leadership Although the father may wish to assume g en e r a l responsibility for family devotions, it is suggested that leadership rotate among the adults, teen-agers and many other members who are capable of leading. Parents can assume the responsibility for re minding the other members of the family of their leadership roles. This means that the leader has the Bible or other materials ready and that he calls on different ones to read and pray and testify. Families enjoy this change of leadership and many good ideas are discovered in this manner. When Christian young people mar ry and establish homes of their own, they should do so, having had years of experience leading devotions them selves. Too many couples go to the marriage altar, ready to establish Christian homes without ever having led in family devotions. This is in-
how to have fam ily devotions
b y C lyde M . Narram ore
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T H E K IN G 'S BU SINESS
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