The Family Life Center

By Robin R.

Everywhere you look today you see huge metal buildings that people refer to as a “Family Life Center”. Who designed the first family life center? What was its original purpose and for whom was it designed? Let’s go to the KJV Bible to find the answers to these questions.

In Genesis 2:18-25, we find that God established the first family life center! Throughout the Bible we find several reasons God created this institution. It was meant to be the foundational block for society and the church. God intended it to be for the family. The man was to be the ruler (Genesis 3:16) and the wife was to be his submissive helper (Ephesians 5:22). The children also had a special place in this family life center. They were to honour and obey (Ephesians 6:1-2) the parents that God had placed over them. The man was to provide (I Timothy 5:8) for this family life center and the woman was to keep it (Titus 2:5). The children were to be taught the Word of God day in and day out (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Now, let’s compare this first family life center with the ones that are so popular today. Today’s family center has something for everyone… basketball, volleyball, youth concerts, children’s daycare, exercise programs, adult banquets, men’s fish fries, quilting circles, rummage sales, health fairs…just to name a few. You see, all of these activities actually separate the family and rarely bring honour to God! The original family life center was designed to keep families together and honour God.

I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that the home was the only family life center created by God. So, why not follow God’s Word and refuse to be enslaved by the world’s idea of a “family life center!” And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and prefect, will of God. Romans 12:2

graphics by Mary E. Stephens
updated 2020