Struggles in the Family

It's no secret that adults and teens misunderstand each other from time to time.  Enjoy these two videos that humorously say just that.

Added Bonus:  Netsanity has compiled a list of teen slang so you can understand what your teen is talking about or what they may be hiding from you.

 If you are a human being, then there will be problems in your family.  But there are ways to decrease the amount of them and it comes from God's word.  But first, let's see why they exist in the first place:

What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?

                                                                                                                            ~James 4:1, NIV

Most of them can be boiled down to selfishness.  Each member of the family need only point at themselves and see what their selfish motives are at any point there is a disagreement.  

Here are three ways God tells us through His word that we can prevent disagreements, not only in our family but in other relationships as well:

1.  Humbly serve one another in love.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;  rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:  'Love our neighbor as yourself.'  If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

                                                                                                                        ~Galatians 5:13-15, NIV

2.  Think of others first.

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.

                                                                                                                        ~Romans 12:10, NIV

If only we were able to think of others before ourselves it would eliminate so many arguments we have with one another.

3.   Take responsibility for your own actions.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

                                                                                                                        ~Romans 12:18, NIV

Of course, life can be extremely difficult sometimes and some situations call for extra care.  If your family or your marriage are in trouble, please seek out the help of a professional Christian counselor.  Divorce may seem like a good decision in the heat of the moment, but it has lasting consequences that affect the entire family for the rest of their lives.

How can you humbly serve each member of your family this week?  What can you do to think of each member of your family's wants above your own?  What is one thing you can take responsibility for that you haven't?  What is one way that you, as a parent, can teach your kids personal responsibility?