RESTORING THE FAMILY
Reflection Among all the institutions that God established from the beginning of creation, the family is the first. Before there was a nation of Israel. Before there was a temple. Before there was a monarchy. Before there was even the visible Church. There was the family. The family is God's first sanctuary, the first school of faith, the first place where love is learned, forgiveness is practiced, and God is encountered. It is no surprise, therefore, that throughout history the enemy has relentlessly attacked families. For when the family is weakened, society becomes unstable. When the family forgets God, generations slowly lose their spiritual identity. This reading one of the most courageous declarations in Scripture: Joshua stands before the people of Israel and invites them to make a decision. They cannot serve God and idols at the same time. They must choose. Then Joshua boldly proclaims: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Notice that Joshua ...