This past week Eric and I had the privilege of taking a class called ‘Biblical Theology of Family’ at the FamilyLife offices. A few times a year, the ministry brings in seminary level professors to teach week long classes, and gives staff time off from other responsibilities to attend the classes. It is a treat to sit next to Eric each morning when we take these classes together and do something totally different from our normal, every day routine – esp. now that the girls are old enough to stay home and work on school on their own. We began this class thinking that we would be discussing different issues in marriage and family, and the Bible’s response to them. Instead we spent the first 3 days focused on the Gospel and grace. Why? Because, as our professor stated “without it (the gospel) love, wholeness, healing, and relationships cannot flourish and, most importantly, the relationship between God and his people cannot be fully seen, imitated, and reflected to others for the glory of God”
It was a great reminder of how we often say that FamilyLife and our ministry here has to be about more than just warm fuzzies and improved communication in marriage. The gospel is central, and we must be careful to not place even ‘good things’ (like the idea of ‘a good marriage’) into a position of idolatry.