God's Family Life Center
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesOver the past 30-40 years, we’ve seen an influx of Family Life Centers cropping up among churches of Christ as an adjunct to the Lord’s church. However, the New Testament is silent regarding Family Life Centers being an approved adjunct to the purpose and function of the Lord’s church (Luke 19:1-10 – focusing on vs. 10).
Brethren, there is no command, example, necessary inference, or expediency authorizing Family Life Centers (see article).
In his book entitled, “The Spirit of Liberalism“ (Publishing Designs, Inc., 2001), 188-189, Brother Frank Chesser brings out the following points regarding Family Life Centers:
“Family life centers are monuments to the flesh. They are indicative of modern society’s propensity for materialism, pleasure, and self-indulgence. They are shrines to the “me” generation. They constitute a monumental misuse of God’s money laid aside for spiritual purposes.”
So we ask, “Where can God’s Family Life Center be found if not in the church?”
Brother Chesser correctly answers on page 188 of his book:
“There is a family life center in God’s plan for man. It is called the home and it is God’s center for family life. Each room in God’s blueprint is designed for man’s happiness and well-being.”
We ask, “What kind of rooms are to be found in God’s Family Life Center?”
Again, Brother Chesser answers on pages 188-189 (I have condensed Bro. Chesser’s remarks for space purposes – mbr):
1) There is an “instruction” room where instruction from God’s word is taught to the children in the home by responsible parents (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:4-6; cf. Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1-4).
2) There is the “example” room, where children have godly parents to use as visual aids to accompany their teaching of God’s word (contrast 1 Kings 22:43 with 1 Kings 22:52). Note the difference in the lifestyles of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah being produced by the kind of example their parents set before them — one being an ungodly lifestyle (1 Kings 22:50-53), the other, a godly lifestyle (1 Kings 22:41-44).
3) There is the “entertainment” room (Note that this room is in the home — not the church). In Zechariah 8:1-5, Zechariah pictures the return of God to Jerusalem and the restoration of the city with the delightful scene of children’s “playing in the streets.” Just as there is a time to “work,” there is a time to “play“ (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) — where families spend quality time with their children in innocent fun and merriment.
Brother Chesser concludes his remarks on page 189:
“It is frightening to reflect upon elders’ having to account to God on the day of judgment for such flagrant abuse of His money. If Achan and his family suffered death for Achan’s misuse of a handful of items consecrated to God (Joshua 7; cf. Joshua 6:19), what must be God’s attitude toward elders who would take massive amounts of financial gifts consecrated by God’s will for spiritual uses and build entertainment centers for fleshly gratification?”
Brother Chesser asks a very seriously penetrating question. What will God’s attitude be on Judgment Day toward elders who misappropriate monies for fleshly entertainment and gratification (i.e., Family Life Centers)?
Brethren, let’s search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) and do some serious self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) as we ponder the answer.