So many people, even politicians, talk about “family values.” I would like to talk about the value of the family. God, in His infinite wisdom and foresight, formed the family early in creation. It is an institution incomparable to any other. The family, as an institution, contributes so much to the church, community, state, and the world.

I remember well that the most lasting and impacting lessons learned in my life came from the family circle. How did I learn to share and get rid of selfishness? Six siblings will teach you in a hurry there is no such thing as “mine.” Who taught me to respect girls and women? My mother, by being such a kind and graceful example, taught me well. And how did I ever figure out the value and sacredness of my own sexuality? My daddy, with faltering and nervous words, gave me some very good rules to live by.

How did I learn the value of a dollar? Because Mom said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Right after learning that Jesus loves me, I was made aware that God required one cent of tithe out of every dime I received, and one way I could show Him love would be to give another penny in offerings.

Who first declared to me that beauty need not be flaunted, you just wear it with dignity? Why it was my big sister, Eileen, and she still does it well. Where did I get the notion that a little entrepreneurial spirit can sometimes bring rich rewards? It was my brother, Harold, who eventually formed his own sensitivity training company and owned a TV station and two radio stations.

Did I just dream that it’s never too late to change vocations? No, it was my sister, Audrey, who went into chaplaincy training late in life, and her untimely death is all that prevented that new career from flourishing. I learned that lesson very well as I entered the ministry at 37 years of age after spending 18 years in U.S. Government procurement.

You get the picture, I am sure. God has ordained the family to be our first area of training. Even the dysfunctional family can unconsciously teach many valuable lessons to its members. Some of us are fortunate to have been reared in solid, Christian homes where the family modeled spirituality and faith in tasteful and attractive ways. Very early I loved church and all that it has to offer. Doesn’t it make sense that this love was borne out of my family’s commitment to the things of God?

How would I sum it up? I believe that a valuable family necessarily possesses family values. The same holds true for the family of God.