Family Harmony
In his book, Secrets of a Happy Home Life (first published in 1894), author J. R. Miller wrote:
One instrument out of tune in an orchestra mars the music which breaks upon the ears of the listeners.  One discordant life in a household mars the perfectness of the music of love in the family.  We should make sure that our life is not the one that is out of tune.  We do not need to worry about the other lives; if each looks to his own, that will do.
These words are very timely as we head into our weekend family conference here at First Baptist. ¬†How easy it is for me to think, “My kids need to hear these messages and get back on track!” ¬†or “I hope my wife pays real close attention to that message on on marriage!” ¬†Or even as a pastor I could think, “I hope this or that couple comes to the conference because their family life stinks! ¬†Their priorities are way out of line! ¬†They need to come to this conference and get right with God!”
Now some or all of those things may be true, but the one I need to be looking at is ME. ¬†Like the old Gospel hymn says, “It’s not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, O Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer! ¬†Not the preacher, not the deacon, but it’s me, O Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer!…” ¬†Whenever we come to the Word of God, our attitude should be, “Lord, wouldst Thou have ME to do?”
May God help me Рand all of us Рto approach His Word with such a mindset.  Then and only then will we have happy and holy homes.
2 Responses to “Family Harmony”
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Pastor Matt,
The Family Conference was excellent. Tom Harmon is a dynamic speaker and his message is one that every parent needs to hear. I for one wish that I had heard it 17 years ago. It might have averted some of the major mistakes I’ve made as a Mom. I can only pray that God will repair that damage in spite of my shortcomings.
Thank you for the committment you have to give us the knowledge and tools we need to be the best parents and families that we can be.
Sandra Darmetko
Thanks for your positive feedback, Sandra. As I told one person earlier today, God in His grace meets us WHERE WE’RE AT and takes us on to higher ground from there as we trust in Him – His power and His promises. So don’t get overly discouraged about the past. We serve a gracious God that can restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25-26).
Yes, it was a great conference. Just tonight during our family devotions we each mentioned at least ONE THING that we took away from the conference. It was a good time of sharing as a family. I’m glad you were able to be a part of this special weekend.