Family devotions can be one of the always-wanted-to-do-it-but-never-quite-got-to-it parts of a Christian family’s home life. Many times mothers carry a pain in their hearts because we’d always hoped our husbands would be the spiritual heads of our homes. We think that means our husbands should cheerfully lead the family without reminders (hints, kicks under the table, jabs in the ribs or ‘that look’). We expect that the dark, tall and handsome, strong but silent macho man we married will become preacher extraordinaire, object lesson guru and prayer warrior of all time when it comes to family devotions.
We forget that God gave us to our fabulous man so we could be his conscience – oops, did I really say that? I mean helper! We think we need to be his conscience, and that’s why we say things like “Wouldn’t family devotions be a good idea, honey?” Or maybe we don’t say anything at all but buy a great book entitled Family Devotions Led by Dad and leave it strategically on his bedside table or in the bathroom where he does most of his reading anyway.
Helper… helper… helper… that’s what God said we were to be! “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”” (Genesis 2:18, NIV)
Helper does not mean nagger, manipulator, director or conscience. It actually means helper. Strange, huh? According to Webster’s Dictionary1 helper means: “One who, or that which, helps, aids, assists, or relieves.” Are you surprised that it actually means to help?
There are a dozen reasons we might not want to be a helper in the area of family devotions, and I’m not likely to know half of them. However, one of the reasons that we want our husbands to do it is because we don’t want the responsibility. What if we do it and the kids don’t like it? What if we do it wrong? What happens if we do it and they choose not to follow God as adults? Will we be to blame?
Big questions – probably the same ones dear hubby is asking and part of the reason he doesn’t volunteer for the job.
Not to worry though! Moms, you can do a great job. This is your opportunity to be the helper your kids’ dad really needs. Sure he loves your cooking and maybe the paycheck you bring home, but what a privilege to be his helper in the area of leading your kids to Jesus!
Perhaps the very reason God allowed you to marry the special man in your life is because you were the helper suitable for him in this exact area. Who knows?
Join me back on Friday–I will be sharing tips on how to start family devotions.
What are some favorite devotionals your family has used?
About Carla Anne Coroy
Carla Anne can be described in one word: passionate. After just a few minutes with her it is evident that her biggest passion is people. Carla Anne is an accomplished Christian author, speaker and business woman. Her favourite way to spend her free time is hanging out with her 8 kids (an even mix of sons, daughters, and in-laws) and many family “add-ons”. In winter you can find her cheering for her local hockey team and in summer she’ll be on the beach!
