Floyd Godfrey, PhDDr. Floyd Godfrey
In today’s world, the family is under relentless attack from cultural forces that seek to redefine and diminish its God-given structure. As Christians, we must remain vigilant and uphold the values that God established for the family. The nuclear family, consisting of a father, a mother, and their children, has always been the cornerstone of a stable society. Dr. Ben Carson rightly states, “Children raised in traditional, nuclear families are more successful in every aspect.” This is not just a societal norm but a biblical principle rooted in God’s design for humanity.
The Deception of Victimhood and Entitlement
One of the greatest cultural threats today is the mindset of victimhood. We live in a world where people are constantly told that they are victims of their circumstances. Yet, Dr. Carson recalls the profound lessons from his mother, who had only a third-grade education and never felt sorry for herself: “She never acted like a victim. She expected me and my brother to do better in school and made us read books about successful people. I started to learn that YOU are the reason you are successful, and how you react to the world.” This personal responsibility aligns with biblical teaching, reminding us that we are accountable for our actions and must not let a victim mentality govern our lives.
Gender Confusion: A Cultural Crisis
Perhaps one of the most alarming cultural attacks on the family is the confusion around gender identity. In today’s society, even children are being told they can choose their gender, a belief that contradicts biological and biblical truths. Dr. Carson doesn’t shy away from this issue, stating, “Confusing kids about their gender is equivalent to child abuse. If you have an XX chromosome, you are a girl, and if you have an XY chromosome, you are a boy.” The Bible clearly affirms this truth: “So God created man in his own image... male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, ESV). The family unit depends on honoring God’s creation of male and female, and straying from this leads to confusion and brokenness.
God-Given Rights and Responsibilities
The cultural war extends to the very foundation of our rights and freedoms. Carson reminds us that “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are rights that come from God.” These words echo the Declaration of Independence, but they also underscore a vital truth: our rights are divinely bestowed, not man-made. When we acknowledge that God is the source of these rights, we also understand that we must exercise them within His moral framework. This includes raising our children in accordance with biblical principles, which give them the best chance for a fruitful and God-honoring life.
The Lord's Uncomplicated Rules for Life
In a world full of moral ambiguity, God’s rules are clear and straightforward, designed to simplify our lives. Carson wisely notes, “The Lord gives us rules to uncomplicate our lives. But He is merciful and gives us forgiveness when we make mistakes.” This is the beauty of God’s law: it is not restrictive but freeing. When we follow His commandments, our families thrive. And when we fail, His mercy is there to lift us back up, just as the apostle John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9, ESV).
Overcoming Fear to Fulfill God’s Plan
Lastly, the spiritual war on the family often leaves many Christians paralyzed by fear—fear of speaking the truth, fear of rejection, or fear of standing against cultural norms. Dr. Carson powerfully addresses this by saying, “Fear keeps us from exercising what God wants to do in our lives.” Fear is a tool of the enemy, but God calls us to be courageous. As Paul writes to Timothy, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV). If we want to win the spiritual battle for our families, we must cast aside fear and trust that God will guide and protect us.
In conclusion, the spiritual war on the family is real, but we are not without hope. By standing firm on biblical truths, rejecting the culture of victimhood, and defending the traditional family, we honor God’s design. Remember, God is merciful, His commandments are clear, and He empowers us to overcome fear. May we take courage in these truths as we fight for the hearts and minds of our families.
Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.
Reference:
Carson, B. S. (2024, October). The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture’s War on the American Family. Stand Strong - Mega National Christian Counseling Conference 2024. Dallas; Texas.
