Success is a Family Affair

When God wanted to accomplish His vision he looked for a family (Adam-Eve). When God wanted to achieve His vision, he rewarded Abraham with family longevity (I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven). When God wanted to protect His vision, He divided the family (Abraham decide to separate from his nephew Lot Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me. If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right;…). Hence, I believe our family serves as the “testing-proving ground” for our vision. The family is the school in which God proofs our vision. Our ministry will also reveal a family ”Peter”, “Thomas, “Peter, James, and John”, “Judas”. The family pressure will help us prioritize our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 (Amplified Bible) 8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable,whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Martin Luther said  "The ministers of the Gospel should be men who are not too easily affected by praise or criticism, but simply speak of the benefit and the glory of Christ and seek the salvation of souls. Whenever you are being praised, remember it is not you who is being praised but Christ, to whom all praise belongs. When you preach the Word of God in its purity and also live accordingly, it is not your own doing, but God's doing. And when people praise you, they really mean to praise God in you. When you understand this--and you should because 'what do you have that you did not recieve?'--you will not flatter yourself on the one hand and on the other hand you will not carry yourself with the thought of resigning from the ministry when you are insulted, reproached, or persecuted."

Sometimes the family is a photograph of the future attacks of Satan. Repeatedly, the family unit wants you humbled. "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business" (Lk. 2:49)?" They want to remind us of our humanity. Our adversary wants you ruined. Your endurance is evidence that you will survive your future. Ironically, the area of your anointing and calling is tested in the family. Regrettably, great men have great familiar challenges. If you are Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, Jim Baker; someone in your family will antagonize and test your “call”.

Consider your priorities. We have to correctly arrange the “big three priorities: God, family and the ministry. Part of your success is including a ministry familiar component that strengthens family. Little consideration is given to implementing a regular ministry familiar component. This component must be given the same weight as our offerings, team building, and destiny and vision seminars. Familiar Exegete! Exegete Your Own family. A Family Exegete is a person who explains or interprets difficult parts ofthe successful family.

A regular ministry familiar component should be an important consideration. Success modules and seminars should include consultants, lawyers, accountants, motivational experts, charts, timetables and familiar, mental and personal health components.

Our families and acquaintances need:  

Ø      to be acquainted with the uniqueness of our calling

Ø      to review the “calling” and how it affects family

Ø      ministry fatigue and time pressure  and neglect

Ø      build a hedge against worldly trends (divorce)

Ø      Financial stress

Ø      Intimacy and emotional needs