Faith, Family, and Fruits 

“Like father like son.” “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Clichés like these speak to the essential element of connectedness that the family offers to any society. Sociologists suggest that the family is the basic unit of society. The family is the foundation of the Church. Family is important. Whatever happens within the family affects members of the family. 

In Genesis 9 God blessed Noah and his entire family. He gave them permission to work the ground and enjoy the fruits of their labor. All animals and anything other than humans were under their control and they could do as they pleased. God also told them to look out for one another. “And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.” [Gen. 9:5]. Then God cautioned them to respect a man’s life and not to take another man’s life. For this later action, there would be consequences: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” [Gen. 9:6].

In his earliest dealings with humankind God highlights the value of faith (being connected to God), family (being connected to and responsible for one another), and fruitfulness (reproducing offspring as well as good deeds). How are you doing in these three important areas? Are you connected to God and your family? Are you a “fruit-bearing” person? What are the things that challenge you in the areas of faith, family, and fruitfulness? Regardless of where you’ve been or where you are, or what you’re dealing with or going through, God desires to help strengthen your ability to do well in all three of these crucial areas of your life. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” [1 Peter 5:7]

Read Daily. Grow Continually.

• Monday The Wait is Over - Genesis 8:13-19
• Tuesday Sweet Smelling Sacrifice - Genesis 8:20-22
• Wednesday Faithful Father, Fruitful Children - Genesis 9:1-7
• Thursday The Rainbow: Sign of a Covenant - Genesis 9:8-17
• Friday The Canaanite Curse - Genesis 9:18-25
• Saturday Big Brother’s Blessing - Genesis 9:26-28
• Sunday Japheth’s Family - Genesis 10:1-5