Embracing God’s Mandate: Building Strong Families in Turbulent Times

I'm very excited to kick off this Families Fortified series, and there are many ways we could tackle this. But I want to tell you from the onset, when I say the word "family," I know it elicits an emotional response. For some of you, it’s a response of delight. You think about your mom, your dad, perhaps your current family—your wife or husband or children—and you’re like, "Family's the best." Family is where we connect, build each other up, love, and be ourselves.
But for others, the word "family" brings different feelings—abuse, absence of a father, divorce, pain, shattering, hurt. It’s where was dad? How come I had to endure that? Where was God? I realize I’m talking to a wide audience—young children, older people, those who have never been married and want to be, those who are married and divorced,those who are widowed, and those wondering what to do next. Family elicits a range of emotions because it's foundational to who we are and how we relate to the world.

Understanding Family Through God's Word
So, as we begin this series, let’s start with the Word of God. Open your Bibles to Genesis chapter one. We're going to start right in the beginning because that's where God begins to speak about this topic. Specifically, we'll focus on verses 26 to 31.
Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This is the most controversial passage in the Bible. Our world doesn't want to hear it, but before anything ever was, God says, "I am," and He created it all. Genesis 1 tells us that God created everything out of nothing in six literal days and rested on the seventh. If you believe the Bible, you'll come to that conclusion because God tells us plainly.

Created in God's Image
On the sixth day, God did something different. He created humankind in His image. Let’s read Genesis 1:26-27: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
You are distinct from anything else in all of God's creation. Mentally, relationally, morally, spiritually, and willfully, you reflect God's nature. This is where your value comes from. Even if you woke up today feeling worthless, remember that the God of the universe created you and gave you your life. That's why you have value.

Rooted in Our Gender
Now, your purpose is also rooted in your God-given gender. Genesis 1:27 tells us, "Male and female He created them." According to God's Word, there are two genders: male and female. Your gender is not a mistake; it's a gift from God, integral to His plan for your life.
Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well." God designed every part of you. If you're born a boy, God wants you to grow into a man. If you're born a girl, God wants you to grow into a woman. Embrace that identity because it’s part of His perfect plan.

The Mission: Establishing Godly Families
God’s first command to humanity in Genesis 1:28 is to be fruitful and multiply. Marriage and family are at the heart of God's plan. Genesis 2:24-25 says, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." God designed marriage as a union between one man and one woman, reflecting His image and furthering His kingdom. Your mission, rooted in establishing a godly family, is central to God’s design. Families are the primary means through which God’s love and truth are propagated. By raising godly offspring and nurturing them in the faith, we ensure the continuation of His work on earth. This mission requires intentional effort and dedication but promises great reward and fulfillment.

Facing Challenges with Faith
We acknowledge that family life can be challenging. Whether dealing with personal struggles, relational issues, or societal pressures, we must rely on God’s strength and guidance. In times of difficulty, let us remember that God is with us, providing the grace and wisdom needed to navigate these challenges.

Conclusion: 
As we reflect on God’s mandate for families, let us commit to prioritizing family in our lives. Whether we are single, married, or navigating complex family dynamics, we can contribute to the strength and vitality of families within our community. By embracing our identity in God, fulfilling our gender roles, and committing to the mission of family, we honor God and further His kingdom. May we stand firm in our faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, as we build strong families that reflect God’s love and truth to the world. Amen.