Fatherhood...I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named...Eph 3:14
           
            Sense of belonging/identity because we share the same blood/adoption [rejection]

            *Accepted arrangement of authority and roles [chaos]

Atmosphere that fosters growth and development Col 3:5 Put to death, whatever belongs to your earthly nature...8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and dishonorable/abusive speech from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other...12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

            Protection, safety, security, needs met [fear, uncertainty]

            *Appreciation/Encouragement [criticism]

            *Good Communication Patterns...Freedom to share and be vulnerable [hiding & hurling]

Mutuality Eph 4:16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

            *Commitment (actively promoted one another's happiness and well being) [indifference]

            *Sharing of time, experiences and values [self-centeredness]
           
            Respect, Responsibility, Accountability, Understanding and Edification [irresponsibility]

Interdependence & Influence  Phil 2:2 like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition.. .but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4...also for the interests of others.

            Learn role & place in society by observing models [disunity]

            Teamwork, Contribution, Value earned/bestowed [isolation]

Love  Self-sacrificially desiring what's in another's best interest  Jn 15:13 greatest love.. lay down one's life for his friends

            *Problem solving (deal with crises in a positive manner) [blaming]

            *Spiritual Commitment [self-worship]           

Yardsticks   Gen12:1"Get out of your country, from your family 3..in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

            Objective: To create & maintain a warm & healthy environment conducive to reproductive growth

            Progress through Lifecycle/Developmental tasks [aimlessness]

            Goals: Family Devotions, Recreation/Vacations, Family council [poor priorities]

{*traits of families which rated themselves very high in marital happiness and satisfaction with parent-child relationships aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/ressucfa.htm }

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
1. What did the family of your youth do that is worthy of emulation? What benefit was gained from the practice?
2. How does a family become dysfunctional? How can it be made to function properly?
3. What words would someone use to characterize your family? Do those words match your aspirations for your family?
4. What kinds of goals would help a family achieve its purposes? What goals to you have for your family?
5. In what ways is a church to be like a family? In what ways is it different?