Human Response 389: Protect the Family

1 Kings 5;14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adonijah was over the levy.

Solomon drafted three times the number of workers needed for gathering and transporting the lumber needed for the Temple. This was arranged so that the workers wouldn’t be away from home for long periods. This schedule showed concern for the welfare of the Israelite workers and especially placed importance on the welfare of their families. Solomon wisely recognized that family should be a top priority.

As Christians, we also arrange our work and the schedules of others to watch for the impact of our plans on families. We make every effort to strengthen and protect the family. The family is instituted and designed by God to be the bedrock of the community and the foundation of society. For good reason, Christians fathers and mothers spend time with their families and pray with them regularly. Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, bring your children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”