Elaine buys a Mercedes. You get jealous and buy one too. Elaine hires a butler. You get one too. Elaine announces shes pregnant with twins. You are furious. You cant let her beat you at anything. You scream at your husband. He shakes his head in disbelief.

The Roadmap

Do you have a roadmap for your family? Our world is on a technology roller coaster. Society continues to change instantly. It is tougher now for individuals to cling to meaningful family traditions. Many parents and children do not see examples of good family role models. Many people are just content to be like everyone else. American children are heavily influenced by a media-driven culture that teaches we need it now! Children pick their examples of good behavior from watching million-dollar super stars. Are adults any different?

Do you have model for your family? The right family model can help move a family toward a desired endpoint. Families need to have some direction. God should always play a central part of family living. The Barna Research for the Tyndale House showed that 80% of people feel the Bible is the most influential book in history. The Bible---society has seen no other book that contains such insight and depth relating to life. In the book of Genesis, man is created in both the image and likeness of God.

God's ideal plan linked one man and woman for a lifetime. "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh." Although this may seem controversial to some, it contains the most consistent definition for the family. Individuals can use this concept as the foundation for assisting them with their family goals. The traditional family is very relevant. It will continue to serve as an anchor as America moves into the next millennium.

The Panic Button

Todays families face huge challenges. Many people do not want to accept the responsibility of parenting---they want to live a carefree life with no accountability. The bitter taste of failed previous marriages has prompted many people to condemn the institution of marriage. The high percentage of divorce in society has left children feeling insecure. Although the Bible uses a traditional two-parent model for families, being a single parent or having some other nontraditional arrangement, such as adoptive parents, doesn't mean an individual doesnt have a family. Members of a family share common experiences, and this is critical to family stability. Take the family self evaluation test for your family:

• Are you happy with your family life?
• Do you have a family model?
• Are you competing with other families?
• Do you have a vision for your family?
• Are you willing to make your family vision a reality?

The Right Solution

Many people fail to see the significance of having a model to follow. Trying to implement any model without understanding the basis could leave a family with unrealistic expectations. Families are not mechanical machines. There is order in the universe created by a power higher than the human civilization. Many people reach their middle years with bodies, relationships, and jobs reasonable intact; however, a voice usually cries out that something is missing. People try to fill the emptiness with diversions such as work, money, possessions, or relationships; however, these things don't bring inner peace. If there is no solid foundation, the house will fall. What model are most people using in America? Determine if you have the best model for your family. Start today!