This perspective gives unique meaning to the way i see my family. What about you?

An Interesting Perspective

Most Christians realize that all believers are part of the family of God. After all, the family metaphor is a common one used to describe our spiritual relationships. But it's amazing how few Christian families practice the ramifications of this. If we're all God's children, what does that make each one of us to each other?

It makes us brothers and sisters. A father is a brother with his son. A daughter is a spiritual sister with her mom, and so on. This perspective on family life adds a tremendous ingredient to our relationships. We begin to treat each other differently because we value each other in a special way.

What happens when you look at your children as brothers and sisters in Christ? You value them for who they are, recognizing God's work in them. Parents sometimes view their children as projects, not people. It's been said, "The only thing you can take with you to heaven is your kids." By viewing them as spiritual brothers and sisters you add a helpful dimension to family life.

This concept doesn't minimize the importance of roles and responsibilities in family life. Children still need to learn obedience and honor and parents need to learn how to be firm without being harsh. But the way we carry on our roles in family life is tempered by our view of each other. It's an amazing thought to view our kids as brothers and sisters in Christ. All of sudden our perspective changes and their value increases in our minds.

This parenting tip is taken from the book, “Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids” by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.