Building a Family for Christ
God’s Design for the Family
The Bible declares in Genesis 2:24:
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (KJV)
From the very beginning, God instituted the family with Adam and Eve as the first couple. This divine model shows us that the family is not a human invention, but a design crafted by the Creator Himself. The word family comes from the Latin familia, which originally referred to all those under the authority of the pater familias—including wife, children, and servants. Today, we understand family as a group of people united by blood, marriage, or adoption, who live together or share deep emotional bonds.
Teaching Our Children in the Ways of the Lord
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 instructs:
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…” (KJV)
In my own experience, God’s calling in a non-Christian household often begins with just one person—be it the husband, the wife, or even a child. Then the promise of Acts 16:31 becomes a living reality:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (KJV)
Too often we focus on our personal “calling” or “ministry” and overlook our most urgent mission: to win our own household for Christ. As Paul reminded Timothy:
“(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:5, KJV)
Our duty as parents is to lead our children to Christ—teaching them the truth of the Gospel, transmitting God’s love into their hearts, and reflecting Christ through our actions. Proverbs 22:6 gives this powerful promise:
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (KJV)
I remember when we were searching for a school for our daughter. We had moved several times in the U.S., and she had already gone through many changes. We said, “Help us pray for your school. What do you think?” After a few nights of simple prayer, God showed her exactly where she should attend. Glory to God! it was a true blessing, and it’s still the school where she studies today. Now she knows that God answers even the simplest, most sincere prayers. Truly, we must become like children to move the hand of God!
God’s Blessing on Every Member of the Household
Every member of the family plays an essential role. Ephesians 5:22–25 defines the roles of husband and wife, while Ephesians 6:1–4 speaks about children’s responsibility toward their parents, and how we, as parents, should treat our children.
When we neglect the spiritual integrity of the home—when we place more importance on material things, appearances, or worldly priorities—we open a dangerous gap, one the enemy will not hesitate to exploit.
Taking care of our home is a blessing and a divine duty. God calls men to protect and provide for their households. 1 Timothy 5:8 warns:
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (KJV)
Many today proudly claim God’s blessing because of material wealth, while their families are collapsing spiritually. Christian children grow up with bitterness, depression, and unforgiveness; the Gospel becomes a burden instead of a joy, and their only priority after school is, “I hope I make money to fulfill my dreams.” God’s plan for their lives is forgotten, because the spiritual leader of the home never understood that the greatest wealth is spiritual, not material.
The Vital Role of the Wife in the Home and Ministry
The wife is a pillar in the home and a vital part of the ministry. I’ve had moments when my strength ran out and I wanted to give up, but my wife was there with her beautiful smile and warrior-like encouragement, affirming my faith. And I do the same when she is the one in need. In Christian life, no one should say, “I don’t need you”—husband or wife.
While I labor in ministry and in providing for our home, my wife is a steady foundation, guiding and nurturing our daughter. She is saving her soul—take note of that word, saving.
Wives are essential in ministry. They are the suitable helpers God has given us—wise, calm, and spiritually grounded. Proverbs 31:11 says:
“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” (KJV)
Our wives don’t need a pulpit or a microphone to preach. With wisdom and warmth, they edify the home and reflect Christ to others. Many come to know the love of God simply through their actions—without ever hearing a sermon.
Building a Solid Home in Christ
Building a home takes work, patience, preparation, and divine guidance. Rushing the process to keep up with someone else’s progress is dangerous—you may end up building on sand instead of the Rock, who is Christ.
A home founded on Christ will endure trials. Even when you say, “There’s no way out of this,” God will extend His hand of mercy and provide an unexpected way out. In difficult days, we sometimes make poor choices thinking we’re helping our families—only to later say, “Lord, why didn’t I wait on You? You already had it under control…”
Every member contributes to the building of a strong home. If we surrender our household to God, He becomes the Architect, and we become His workers.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” (Psalm 127:1, KJV)
May the Lord bless you and your household. Let us build families for Christ—together.
Pastor Emilio Pereira