More Than Family: A Life Anchored in God First
By Karim Maguid
Introduction
“More Than Family” Sounds Crazy Until You Try It
I know what you’re thinking.
“More than family? Really? Isn’t that the whole point of life?”
Trust me, I get it. I’m a husband. A dad. A stepdad. I’ve changed diapers at 3 a.m. and negotiated peace treaties over who ate the last fruit snack. I love my family more than words can say. But here’s the hard truth God had to teach me:
If your family is first, God isn’t. And if God isn’t first… your family’s not safe.
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat it:
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.”
—Luke 14:26 NASB
Now before you go flipping tables and unfriending me, let’s clear that up: Jesus wasn’t commanding us to actually hate our families. He was saying that our love and loyalty to Him should be so strong, so fierce, so obvious, that everything else looks small in comparison.
Because here’s the deal: When we put family before God, we ask our loved ones to carry a weight only God was meant to hold. Your spouse can’t be your Savior. Your kids can’t be your Comforter. Your parents can’t be your Provider. Only God fits that job description—and He’s not hiring.
Let’s be honest, though. That’s not always how we live. Most of us grew up hearing things like “family over everything” and “blood is thicker than water.” But the Bible says:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
—Matthew 6:33 NASB
Seek Him first. Not your kids. Not your spouse. Not your job. Not even that in-law who keeps showing up uninvited and stays way too long. God first. Everything else flows from that.
This book is about reordering—not removing—your love for your family. It’s about what happens when we stop worshiping the blessings and start worshiping the One who gave them.
Because the most loving thing you can do for your family…
is love God more than them.
So, if you’re ready to laugh a little, maybe cry once or twice (I’m not judging), and get wrecked—in the best way possible—by the Word of God, then let’s walk through this together.
This isn’t just about family values. This is about Kingdom order.
And I promise you: when God is in His rightful place, everything else falls into place.
Let’s go deeper. Let’s get real.
Let’s build a life that’s anchored in Him first.
Chapter One: God Before Blood
Why Putting God First Is the Best Thing You’ll Ever Do for Your Family
Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: putting God before your family sounds nice on a bumper sticker, but it’s a lot harder in real life.
You love your family. You’d do anything for them. You’ve cleaned up after them, fed them, forgiven them (at least 73 times), and lost sleep because of them. So when someone says, “You need to love God more than your family,” it kind of hits sideways.
But Jesus didn’t mince words about it:
“The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
—Matthew 10:37 NASB
That’s not a casual suggestion. That’s a Kingdom priority check.
And before you panic — no, Jesus isn’t telling you to hate your family. He’s saying your love for Him should be so deep, so central, so defining, that every other relationship in your life falls into place beneath it.
Family Isn’t Meant to Sit on the Throne
Here’s the problem: we love our families so much that we start putting expectations on them that only God can fulfill.
Your spouse was never meant to be your Savior.
Your kids weren’t designed to be your identity.
Your parents can’t be your peace.
And your in-laws… well, let’s not open that can of worms right now.
When we elevate family above God, we start building our lives around people who were never meant to be the foundation. And then we wonder why things feel shaky.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
—Exodus 20:3 NASB
That’s not just about golden calves. It’s also about last names, dinner tables, and generational patterns.
“God First” Isn’t a Vibe — It’s a Reality
We say it all the time: “God first!” It’s on t-shirts, Instagram bios, and group texts.
But is He really?
Is He first in your decisions?
First in your calendar?
First in your reactions when your teenager slams the door, or your spouse brings up that thing again, or your cousin posts something crazy online?
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
—Matthew 6:33 NASB
We don’t put God first so that everything will go perfectly. We put Him first because He’s God — and only He can order the rest.
It’s Gonna Cost You — And It’ll Be Worth It
Here’s the part we don’t like: putting God first will cost you something.
It might cost you a tradition.
It might cost you the approval of relatives who think you’ve “gone too far.”
It might cost you your comfort, your habits, or your old way of doing things.
But here’s the thing — it’ll save your family in the long run. Because when God is first, everything else has a chance to thrive.
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
—Matthew 16:25 NASB
You lose control. You find peace.
You let go of being the hero. You find the real One.
You stop trying to hold everything together — and finally realize that He already is.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Lord,
I love my family — but I love You more.
Forgive me for the times I’ve placed them above You.
Help me trust that when I put You first, I’m actually loving them better.
Reorder my heart. Reorder my home.
Be the center of everything I build.
Amen.
Chapter Two: The Foundation of Faith
Building Your Home on Christ, Not Pinterest
Let’s talk about foundations — not the kind you buy at Home Depot, but the kind you build your life on.
Every family builds on something. For some, it’s tradition. For others, it’s whatever’s trending. A lot of people build on Instagram aesthetics, vibes, and “positive energy,” whatever that means. And sure, your house might look great in pictures — but if the foundation is weak, all it takes is one good storm and that pretty façade crumbles like a toddler’s block tower.
Jesus said it plain:
“And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”
—Matthew 7:26 NASB
Translation: if you build on what feels good instead of what God says, it’s gonna sink.
Sunday Christians, Monday Chaos
Here’s what a lot of Christian homes look like (and I say this in love):
We go to church. We smile. We say “God bless you.”
Then Monday hits. Nobody’s praying. The Bible’s collecting dust. And we wonder why the peace we felt on Sunday disappeared by Tuesday afternoon.
Church attendance isn’t a foundation.
A framed “as for me and my house” verse on the wall isn’t a foundation.
Reading a 3-minute devotional while scrolling social media isn’t a foundation.
Those are fine things. But if Jesus isn’t the base layer, everything else is just decor.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
—Psalm 127:1 NASB
If the Lord’s not in it, you’re just building fancy-looking sandcastles.
You Don’t Need a Degree — Just a Decision
You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to build on the Word. You just have to decide that God’s Word is going to be your final authority — even when it’s inconvenient, unpopular, or hard to swallow.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
—Isaiah 40:8 NASB
People change. Trends change. Feelings definitely change. But God’s truth doesn’t move — and that’s why you can build on it.
Want to know how strong your foundation is? Watch what happens when you go through:
- A financial crisis
- A rough patch in your marriage
- A rebellious kid
- A medical scare
- A spiritual dry season
That’s when it shows. Foundations aren’t tested by how peaceful your mornings are. They’re tested when all hell breaks loose and you still have peace anyway.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
—Proverbs 3:6 NASB
You acknowledge Him before you make decisions. Before the chaos. Not just after you’ve tried everything else.
Don’t Panic — Rebuild
If you’re reading this and realizing your family’s been building on sand, don’t panic — repent and rebuild. God doesn’t condemn honest hearts. He welcomes them.
Tear up the faulty foundation and lay a new one — brick by brick, prayer by prayer, verse by verse.
Start simple:
- Read scripture out loud at dinner.
- Pray with your spouse even if it feels awkward at first.
- Replace 5 minutes of scrolling with 5 minutes of seeking.
Don’t wait until everything’s falling apart. Build now — while you still can.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Lord,
I don’t want a house that just looks godly. I want one that stands firm when storms come.
Help me build on Your truth, not just opinions or emotions.
Where I’ve built on sand, give me the wisdom and courage to start again.
Be the foundation beneath every decision, every relationship, every moment in my home.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Chapter Three: Leading with Love
How to Be in Charge Without Acting Like a Jerk
Let’s get something straight right now: leadership in the home isn’t about barking orders and expecting everyone to say “yes sir” while you sit on the couch and command from your throne of pillows and potato chips.
If that’s your leadership style… we need to talk.
Because biblical leadership — the kind that honors God and actually works — looks a lot more like serving than ruling. It’s not about power plays. It’s about laying your life down daily, even when no one claps for you.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
—Matthew 20:28 NASB
That’s our model. Jesus. The King who washed feet.
Spiritual Leadership Starts at Home — Not the Pulpit
We’ve got too many people trying to lead Bible studies when they haven’t led a single conversation about God in their living room. They want to preach but don’t want to pray with their spouse. They want influence in public but ignore their responsibility in private.
Newsflash: your first ministry is your home.
“He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.”
—1 Timothy 3:4 NASB
That verse is aimed at church leaders, but it applies to all of us. If your house is chaos, if your words carry no weight because your actions contradict them — something’s off.
Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room. It’s about having the most surrendered heart in the house.
Leading in Love Means Listening More Than You Lecture
Some people think leadership means always having the last word. But Jesus didn’t walk around yelling at people — He spoke with authority, yes, but He also listened, asked questions, and dealt gently with people who were struggling.
You don’t lead by dominating — you lead by demonstrating.
Demonstrating patience.
Demonstrating grace.
Demonstrating what it looks like to humble yourself and say, “I was wrong.”
Your kids are watching. Your spouse is watching. Even your dog is watching. (Okay, maybe not spiritually, but still — you get the point.)
“We love, because He first loved us.”
—1 John 4:19 NASB
If the love of God isn’t the engine behind your leadership, you’re just making noise. And eventually, people stop listening.
What If I’ve Messed This Up?
You’re not alone. Nobody gets this perfectly. Leadership is messy, especially in the context of family. But the good news is this: you don’t have to be flawless — just faithful.
Admit where you’ve fallen short. Ask your family for forgiveness when you’ve led with pride instead of love. And get back up. God is far more interested in your direction than your perfection.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
—James 1:5 NASB
Ask Him. Every day. And then lead from that place of surrender.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Father,
I want to lead well — but I can’t do it without You.
Help me lead with love, not pride. With humility, not ego.
Teach me to listen more, serve better, and live what I preach.
Let the way I lead point my family straight to You.
Amen.
Chapter Four: Forgiveness in the Home
Because Holding Grudges in a Godly House Just Doesn’t Work
Let’s be real — forgiveness is hardest where love runs deepest.
It’s not the stranger who cuts you off in traffic that keeps you up at night (okay, maybe a little). It’s the people inside your own house. The ones who know your buttons… and sometimes push them for sport.
It’s your spouse who said that thing in the middle of a fight.
It’s your kid who talked back for the third time today.
It’s your parent who keeps bringing up your past like it’s their favorite movie.
These are the people you’re supposed to love unconditionally — but if we’re honest, they’re also the ones who test that “unconditional” part the most.
And yet, God still expects you to forgive. Not just once. Not just when you feel like it. And definitely not with the whole “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget” attitude.
“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
—Ephesians 4:32 NASB
Forgiveness Is Not Denial — It’s Release
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you pretend it didn’t hurt.
It doesn’t mean what they did was okay.
And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to keep getting hurt in the same way again.
It means you let go of the right to get even.
You cancel the emotional debt.
You hand the case over to the only Judge who sees everything clearly.
“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
—Romans 12:19 NASB
Revenge might feel satisfying in the moment — slamming doors, silent treatments, passive-aggressive comments — but it’s spiritual poison. And it leaks into the atmosphere of your home fast.
Bitterness Turns Your Home Into a Battlefield
Here’s what happens when forgiveness doesn’t flow in your family:
Resentment sets in.
Walls go up.
Conversations get cold.
Joy gets sucked right out of the room.
And all of a sudden, your home stops feeling like a safe place and starts feeling like a war zone.
“See to it… that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
—Hebrews 12:15 NASB
Notice it says root of bitterness — because bitterness doesn’t start big. It starts small. A comment. A look. A moment. And if you don’t deal with it, it grows into a monster.
Forgiveness Is How the Cycle Breaks
The good news? You can stop that cycle today.
The same God who forgave you — for everything, mind you — gives you the power to forgive others, even the ones closest to you.
“For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.”
—Matthew 6:14–15 NASB
That’s serious. Jesus doesn’t treat forgiveness like a nice idea. It’s a command — and a warning.
The cross didn’t just make forgiveness possible. It made it mandatory.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Lord,
Help me to forgive in my home the same way You’ve forgiven me — completely, freely, and without keeping score.
Break every root of bitterness that’s taken hold in my heart.
Teach me how to speak grace, show mercy, and choose love — even when it’s hard.
Make our home a place where forgiveness isn’t rare… it’s regular.
Amen.
Chapter Five: Prayerful Parenting
Because You’re Not the Holy Spirit — But You Know Him Personally
If you’ve ever tried to parent without prayer, you already know: it’s like showing up to a sword fight with a pool noodle.
There’s just too much coming at you.
The pressure. The culture. The self-doubt.
The fact that your toddler just licked a shopping cart and now you’re Googling “symptoms of the plague.”
Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart. And it’s definitely not for the self-reliant.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be humble enough to pray like your life — and your child’s — depends on it.
Because it does.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he grows older he will not abandon it.”
—Proverbs 22:6 NASB
That’s not a magic guarantee. It’s a call to train, to shape, to raise with intention. And prayer is the training ground — for them, and for you.
Prayer Isn’t the Last Resort — It’s the Starting Line
Too often we treat prayer like it’s what you do after everything else has failed.
“You’ve tried consequences? Charts? Bribes? Time-outs? Okay, now try prayer.”
No. Start there. Stay there. Stay on your knees, even while you’re stepping on Legos.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
—Philippians 4:6 NASB
You’re not just praying about grades and curfews and screen time limits. You’re praying about their heart. Their future spouse. Their faith. Their battles you can’t see. Their thoughts when they lie awake at night. Things no parenting book can teach you.
Because while you’re changing diapers and managing meltdowns, God is shaping destinies.
You’re Not Raising Kids — You’re Raising Disciples
Here’s a truth that’ll reset your perspective: your kids don’t belong to you. They were entrusted to you by God, and your job is to lead them toward Him — not just keep them entertained and alive.
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.”
—Deuteronomy 6:6–7 NASB
That’s not about having “family devotions” once a month and hoping they absorb it. That’s about weaving God’s truth into your everyday life — when you’re dropping them off at school, standing in line at Costco, or tucking them in while they ask deep theological questions five minutes past bedtime.
And Yes, It Still Counts If You’re Tired
There’s no shame in praying through gritted teeth.
There’s no shame in whispering, “God, help me,” from the bathroom just to get 30 seconds alone.
There’s no shame in saying the same prayer for the tenth night in a row because you’re running on fumes and goldfish crackers.
God hears tired prayers. He answers desperate ones.
“The prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.”
—James 5:16b NASB
You’re not just parenting. You’re interceding.
You’re not just raising them — you’re covering them.
And that makes all the difference.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Lord,
You gave me this child, and I give them back to You every day.
Teach me how to lead with wisdom, patience, and faith — not fear.
Help me not to panic when I don’t have control, but to pray like I know the One who does.
Fill the gaps I can’t fill. Fix what I mess up.
And let my prayers go places I never could.
Amen.
Chapter Six: Marriage as Ministry
Because “Happily Ever After” Takes Work, Prayer, and Probably Coffee
Marriage is beautiful. It’s also humbling. And let’s be honest — sometimes it’s just plain hard.
It starts with butterflies and vows and romantic promises. And before you know it, you’re arguing about how to load the dishwasher correctly or debating whether “on my way” means actually on your way or still sitting on the couch in socks.
Marriage isn’t a Hallmark movie.
It’s Kingdom work.
And if we stop treating it like a photo op and start treating it like a ministry, everything changes.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
—Ephesians 5:25 NASB
Christ didn’t just say “I love you” — He proved it, daily, sacrificially, completely. That’s the model.
Marriage Isn’t Just About You
Here’s the hard truth most people don’t find out until after the honeymoon: marriage isn’t primarily about your happiness. It’s about your holiness. It’s about reflecting Jesus.
You are not the main character in your marriage.
God is.
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”
—Matthew 19:6 NASB
He joined you together — not just to survive, but to serve. To serve each other. To serve your family. To serve the Lord — as a team.
Your marriage preaches a sermon every day — whether you mean it to or not. The way you speak to each other, honor each other, forgive each other — it’s either revealing God’s grace or blocking it.
You’re Not Enemies — You’re On the Same Team
It’s wild how quickly we forget this. One disagreement turns into a battle, and suddenly your spouse looks less like a gift from God and more like a boss level you have to defeat to get peace.
Stop it. Pause the fight. Call a time-out.
You’re not opponents. You’re allies in a spiritual war.
“A house divided against itself will not stand.”
—Mark 3:25 NASB
The enemy loves division. He’ll use miscommunication, unmet expectations, and even your past wounds to pit you against each other. But he loses ground the moment you stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other.
Pray together. Talk things out. Apologize first.
Keep short accounts. Give grace even when it’s not “deserved” — because that’s exactly what God gives you every day.
“Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant.”
—1 Corinthians 13:4 NASB
If that’s not convicting, read it again slower.
Ministry Happens in the Mundane
You don’t have to preach a sermon together or go on a mission trip to be in ministry. Sometimes ministry is folding laundry without complaining. It’s texting encouragement during their rough day. It’s doing the dishes when it’s “not your turn.”
Marriage ministry happens in ordinary obedience.
And sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just choose not to give up when it would be easier to walk away.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Father,
Thank You for the gift of marriage — and for the grace it takes to do it well.
Help me to love like You love. Serve like You serve.
Teach me to lay down pride, pick up humility, and put You at the center of our relationship.
Let our marriage be a reflection of Your mercy, not our moods.
And use us — together — to bless others and bring You glory.
Amen.
Chapter Seven: Navigating Conflict
How to Fight Like a Christian — Not Like a Reality Show
Let’s face it: conflict is going to happen.
If you put more than one person in a house with bills, emotions, deadlines, and dirty laundry… it’s not a matter of if sparks fly — it’s when and how often.
But here’s the thing: conflict isn’t the enemy.
The real danger is when we handle it the world’s way instead of God’s way.
The world says, “Clap back.”
God says, “Clothe yourself in humility.”
The world says, “Win the argument.”
God says, “Win your brother.”
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”
—Romans 12:18 NASB
That means conflict resolution is part of your spiritual walk — not just your personality or preference. And yes, that even applies when you’re “technically right.”
Emotions Aren’t the Problem — Immaturity Is
It’s okay to feel angry. It’s okay to be hurt.
What’s not okay is letting your emotions lead the conversation.
Slamming doors, silent treatment, name-calling, sarcasm that isn’t funny — that’s emotional immaturity dressed up as “being real.”
“Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.”
—James 1:19–20 NASB
The goal isn’t to bury your feelings. It’s to discipline them. To pause. Pray. Breathe. And then speak — with the same grace you’d want if the roles were reversed.
Stop Keeping Score
Forgiveness doesn’t work on a point system.
If your idea of “resolving” conflict involves pulling up receipts from three years ago, you’re not resolving anything — you’re resurrecting drama.
Let it go. Stop weaponizing the past.
You’re not a courtroom. You’re a covenant.
“Love does not keep an account of a wrong suffered.”
—1 Corinthians 13:5b NASB
Conflict doesn’t have to destroy your home — not if you choose grace over grudges and humility over the need to be right.
Learn to Lose the Fight and Win the Relationship
Sometimes, being “right” still leads to a loss — especially if you win the argument but lose the intimacy.
You don’t always have to defend your point.
You don’t always have to prove your case.
Sometimes, the most godly thing you can say is, “I’m sorry.” Or even better — “Let’s pray.”
That’s not weakness. That’s strength under control. That’s choosing peace over pride.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
—Matthew 5:9 NASB
You can be a peacemaker without being a pushover. You can have hard conversations without turning them into hard-heartedness.
Just remember: you’re not fighting against your family — you’re fighting for your family.
A Prayer to Anchor This
God,
Help me not to run from conflict, but to handle it with Your wisdom.
Keep my heart soft and my pride in check.
Teach me to speak with truth and love, not anger and ego.
When I’m hurt, help me to forgive. When I’m wrong, help me to repent.
Make peace the default setting in our home — not just the emergency plan.
Amen.
Chapter Eight: Generational Blessings
Leaving More Than Money and a Half-Used Costco Membership
Every family passes something down.
Some pass down recipes. Some pass down trauma. Some pass down a box of tangled Christmas lights and a 1989 recliner nobody really wants.
But if you’re a follower of Christ, you’re called to pass down something far more valuable: faith.
“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him, and His justice to the children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts, so as to do them.”
—Psalm 103:17–18 NASB
Your life, your example, your prayers — they’re all part of a legacy that can echo long after you’re gone.
Generational Curses Are Real — But So Are Generational Blessings
We love to talk about breaking generational curses. And yes, cycles of addiction, abuse, pride, fear, or spiritual apathy can absolutely get passed down.
But here’s the good news: you can pass down blessings too.
You can be the one who turns the tide in your family.
You can be the first to say, “This house will serve the Lord.”
You can be the one who teaches your kids to pray, who models forgiveness, who opens the Word daily and doesn’t just post about it.
You’re not just parenting — you’re planting seeds for generations you’ll never meet.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons…”
—Deuteronomy 6:5–7 NASB
Your obedience today becomes their spiritual inheritance tomorrow.
What Legacy Are You Building?
Let’s be honest — most of us don’t need another family vacation or a bigger inheritance.
What we need are parents, grandparents, and leaders who love Jesus loudly and consistently.
What if your family history didn’t just include who came over from where, but who stood up for Christ in a generation full of compromise?
What if your kids and grandkids didn’t just say, “They were nice,” but instead, “They were faithful”?
“A good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, and the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
—Proverbs 13:22 NASB
That inheritance doesn’t have to be financial. It can be spiritual, emotional, relational.
Your prayers. Your testimony. Your faith. That’s real wealth.
You’re the Link in the Chain
You don’t have to come from a godly legacy to build one.
You might be the first in your family to walk with Jesus. That doesn’t make you behind — that makes you pivotal.
You’re the one who changes the family tree.
It starts small: family devotions that feel awkward at first.
Choosing church over convenience.
Praying when your kids roll their eyes.
Loving your spouse when it’s not easy.
Telling your grandkids stories about how faithful God was — even when life wasn’t.
You’re not just surviving. You’re building.
“One generation will praise Your works to another, and will declare Your mighty acts.”
—Psalm 145:4 NASB
Your ceiling becomes their floor. Your prayers become their protection.
Your “yes” to God becomes the doorway to their destiny.
A Prayer to Anchor This
Lord,
I want to pass down more than stuff — I want to pass down faith.
Make me the kind of person whose legacy points straight to You.
Break every curse, fear, or habit that doesn’t honor You — and replace it with truth.
Let my children, and their children, know You deeper because of what You did in me.
Amen.
Chapter Nine: Hospitality at Home
Making Your House a Ministry, Not Just a Mess
Let’s be honest: the word hospitality can feel intimidating.
For some, it conjures up Pinterest-worthy tablescapes, custom charcuterie boards, and throw pillows that match the season. Meanwhile, your house looks like a laundry bomb went off and someone left an open box of cereal on the floor (again).
But real hospitality? It’s not about the setup — it’s about the spirit.
Hospitality isn’t about showing off your space. It’s about opening your life.
“Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
—Hebrews 13:2 NASB
That’s not just for pastors or extroverts. That’s for you. And for your family. Your home isn’t just where you live — it’s where God wants to minister through you.
Your Door Is a Discipleship Tool
Your living room might not feel like a sanctuary.
Your dinner table might not look like communion.
Your back patio might not resemble a revival tent.
But you’d be surprised how much Kingdom work can happen in a normal house full of imperfect people who just say, “Come in.”
“Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.”
—Romans 12:13 NASB
Hospitality creates space for connection. For prayer. For questions. For healing. And sometimes, for tacos — which the Lord has used powerfully, amen?
Opening your home says, “We’re not perfect, but Jesus lives here — and there’s room for you, too.”
The Ministry of Making People Feel Seen
In a world full of selfies and surface-level scrolling, people are starved for genuine connection.
And sometimes, it’s not a sermon they need — it’s a seat on your couch and someone who listens.
Hospitality doesn’t require gourmet meals. It doesn’t demand a spotless kitchen.
It just asks, “Will you make room?”
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”
—1 Peter 4:8–9 NASB
Without complaint. That means even when you’re tired. Even when the house isn’t Instagram-ready. Even when you’re tempted to say, “Let’s just meet somewhere else.”
There’s power in saying, “Come on over anyway.”
Let Your Kids See It
Hospitality isn’t just for your guests — it’s for your family, too.
Let your kids see what it looks like to serve, to listen, to open your life to others with joy and generosity.
That kind of example shapes them more than a thousand lectures about being “kind.”
Let them see you greet the neighbor. Pray for the friend. Share the meal. Laugh loud. Clean up together.
Let your home preach a message they’ll never forget: God’s love welcomes everyone.
A Prayer to Anchor This
God,
Help me open my home — and my heart — without fear or pride.
Let hospitality flow from love, not performance.
Use our table to serve more than food — use it to serve souls.
Let every person who enters feel Your presence, even in our imperfections.
Make our home a place where ministry happens in the everyday moments.
Amen.
Chapter Ten: The Eternal Family
When Bloodlines Fade, but God’s Family Stands Forever
We spend a lot of time trying to hold our families together. And for good reason — they matter. They’re a blessing. They’re part of our calling.
But no matter how strong your marriage is, how tight-knit your kids are, or how many holiday traditions you preserve… earthly families are temporary.
That’s not depressing — it’s perspective.
Jesus made it clear that there’s something even more important than bloodlines:
“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother.”
—Matthew 12:50 NASB
In other words, obedience to God creates eternal relationships.
Family by blood is a gift. But family by faith? That’s forever.
Heaven Isn’t a Family Reunion — Unless They Know Jesus
We all want our whole family to be together in eternity.
But being a “good person” or growing up around church won’t get anyone through heaven’s gates.
Only Jesus does that.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
—John 14:6 NASB
That’s why your witness in your home matters so much.
Because the way you live, love, forgive, and speak the truth — even when it’s hard — may be the very thing God uses to draw your family to Himself.
And when your earthly family becomes part of your eternal family? That’s the win of all wins.
Church Isn’t a Social Club — It’s Your Forever Family
Sometimes we think of church as a once-a-week event, something we attend instead of something we belong to. But if you’re in Christ, you’ve been adopted into a new family.
“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.”
—Ephesians 2:19 NASB
That means your brothers and sisters in Christ — yes, even the awkward ones — are your real family. And it means your life isn’t just about preserving your household, but about strengthening the household of faith.
You weren’t saved to sit alone. You were saved into community — into a family that reflects heaven here on earth.
Keep Your Eyes on the Bigger Story
Everything we’ve talked about in this book — parenting, marriage, forgiveness, leadership, hospitality — it’s all important. But it’s not the ultimate goal.
The ultimate goal is this: that your life and family point people to Jesus, and that when this life ends, you hear the words, “Well done.”
So love your family well. Lead them in truth. Laugh often. Pray hard.
But never forget — this world is not your home.
And even your most precious earthly relationships are pointing to something greater.
“Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”
—Colossians 3:2 NASB
A Prayer to Anchor This
Lord,
Thank You for the family You’ve given me — both by blood and by faith.
Help me to live with eternity in view, to love deeply, and to lead with purpose.
Let my life reflect the reality of heaven — not just in church, but in my home.
Draw my family to You. And use us to bring others into Your eternal family too.
Amen.
Conclusion: More Than Family, More Than a Book
If you made it to this point, congratulations — that means you’ve wrestled with some hard truths, laughed at some real-life moments, and hopefully let God mess with your priorities a little (in the best way possible).
We’ve talked about marriage and diapers.
We’ve talked about conflict, legacy, leadership, forgiveness, and burnt-out parents who pray in the pantry.
But most importantly, we’ve talked about Jesus — the only One who can hold your family together and hold your heart steady at the same time.
Because at the end of the day, this book wasn’t written to help you have a picture-perfect home. It was written to help you build one that pleases God, even in the mess.
A family that reflects heaven more than Pinterest.
A home where grace is louder than mistakes.
A marriage that ministers.
A legacy that lasts.
A life anchored not in people — but in God first.
“For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 3:11 NASB
So now what?
Now you walk it out. One prayer, one conversation, one humble decision at a time.
You won’t do it perfectly. You’ll mess up. You’ll get it right. Then you’ll mess up again.
But guess what? That’s where grace shines the brightest.
And when your family looks back — years or even generations from now — may they say this:
“We weren’t perfect. But we were anchored. And God was always first.”
Words and Glory 