The Biblical design of a family is first introduced in Genesis 2. When we look all around us it’s a far cry from what God intended for the family in the beginning. The various ills of society have stemmed from man departing from God’s principles as laid down in His Word for a secure and happy family here on earth. Let us examine God’s design for the home from our text today.

As God formed the crown of His creation- man, he breathed into man a part of Himself- the breath of life and man became a living being (Gen2:7). We see Adam the first man being put in charge of the Garden and to tend it. The one thing Adam lacked was a suitable companion/helper which God soon supplied by creating the woman and putting her alongside him.  

The picture of an Ideal Family as seen from Gen2:15-25:

• The Man & his Work: Man was essentially given work to do. Work is part of God’s design for man- but the toil with it came after the Fall. Men must not forget that they are the breadwinners in a family; if his wife works, it is to be seen as a helping hand in running the home. It is his duty to provide and take care of the family. 
   

• Roles for the Man & the Woman: The man in being asked to tend the garden was to tend/take care of his wife as well. The man is seen in the role of a protector. We see Adam fail in this area when the serpent sneaked in to tempt his wife. How many families would have been saved from breaking up if the man would have rightly played his role of provider and protector to his home.
  The woman was created for man (1 Cor.11:9) as his help-meet.  God intended woman to not to be inferior in any way but the roles they play in the home are different. She is to be his companion, nurturing, supportive and giving godly advice but allowing him to have the final say.  There is a call on the wife to be submissive to his authority and setting such example is the foundation for the next generation growing up in the home.
   

• The family of one man-one woman: Jesus endorsed this principle when he spoke against divorce in Matthew 19:5,6: “…For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife…..So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”  God has ordained marital love, companionship, security within the boundaries of married life. 
  We see all sorts of deviations from this principle in our world today- it’s the age of partners, “live-ins”, same-sex marriages…what not!! The result? A generation of degenerate, disgruntled and depressed people, lonely and lost from the Creator!

The recipe for a happy family is to get back to the basics! If you find yourself lacking in any area we have discussed, it's time to meet with God and ask His help in setting your life right. Ask for His forgiveness in areas you have detoured from His principles; the blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL sin (1 John 1:9). As you commit your life to His way, watch Him work in your family, healing the broken relationships and bringing back the love and joy in the family! 

Food for thought:

"Christ is the head of our home, the unseen guest at every meal,

the silent listener to every conversation. " - Unknown
 

Listen- ‘GOD Made One’