Today I want to focus in this devotion on the importance of family. Families are gifts from God, and we must love them, support them, and care for them. There are many people separated from their families. I know that there are issues that arise within families, but as believers, we have a responsibility to provide for them.  It is so easy to ignore them, especially when we are busy engaged with work — including the
work of the church, but even doing the work of the kingdom cannot take the place of providing care and love for our families.  I must admit, as Pastor, there are times when I feel I have not always given my family the time, support, and love they needed because of the awesome responsibility I have leading God’s people.  But I pray that God will show me how to make it right whenever I miss the opportunity
to reach out to them.  In 1 Timothy 3:5we find these words:

For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

The writer speaks about the responsibility of the church leader, giving the requirements in verses 3 through 13. The writer speaks about leaders and deacons, saying, among other things, that they must have integrity, be well respected, and says they need to provide for the family.  When you get a chance, read this entire chapter.  It applies not just to deacons, but to all who play a role in the life of the church. All must be grounded in love and have a great deal of honor and respect for the family.