The Family is Under Attack

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I believe the family is the most basic and important societal unit. Like any good father, I want to protect my family, which is why I am writing this blog. The family is under attack.

The family has always been under attack. This attack gains momentum every year. It affects each family a little differently, but we are all affected. Fifty percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce, according to Jennifer Baker of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri. Cohabitation is acceptable in much of society, which is actually just a new name for adultery. Fifty-four percent of first marriages between 1990 and 1994 began with cohabitation. Marriages that start in cohabitation are more likely to end in divorce according to a CDC report. More than half of the children born today are born to unwed mothers according to a NY Times article. Murder is rampant, but more alarming is the number of killings that occur within the family. The breakdown of the fundamental family unit, a mother, father and children contributes to the societal and economic ills we see all around us (source).

Who is behind this widespread assault on families? And is it a problem?

The attacker is not a politician or a societal organization, though many of both have taken part throughout the ages. The real master of the breakdown is the devil and he is very cunning. He cannot have a family and resents its very existence. He will enlist all he can to help his cause, and always has his sights set on destroying the family.

We do have an ally and advocate that is more powerful than that crafty, old snake. His name is Jesus Christ. We have his words throughout the ages from prophets and apostles to guide us. Their words are scripture and are as applicable now as they ever were.

Is it a problem? Yes!

“The real question, of course, is about cause and effect,” says Elder M. Russel Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Do some sectors of our society have stronger values and families because they are more educated and prosperous, or are they more educated and prosperous because they have values and strong families? … It is the latter. When people make family and religious commitments to gospel principles, they begin to do better spiritually and often temporally as well.”

The family is ordained of God, and as such the devil hates it. As with everything God does, he has a purpose. We may not always see it, but He always knows what He’s doing and has a reason for it. He established the family with Adam and Eve. He saved Noah’s family in the flood. He promised Abraham’s family prosperity for all time and they would be as numberless as the stars. God even sent an angel to Joseph to counsel him not to quit on Mary so Christ would have a father (that’s not the only reason, but I believe it’s one of them). God’s care for the family is repeatedly shown in the scriptures.

Take stock of how your family is doing. Are there forces trying to divide you? Are you letting personal pursuits dominate your responsibilities in the home? Mothers and fathers have a sacred responsibility to take care of their children.

If your family is whole or not, Jesus Christ is still your advocate and he wants to help you protect your family from Satan. Trust in him and learn of him as you protect your family.

The family is under attack, but it’s worth fighting for.

Next week: The Pattern of Family