Our team recently discussed how FamilyLife is centered on the Gospel as a part of our DNA. It was an interesting conversation as we have had many very well intentioned and passionate folk who want us to create a "seeker friendly" version of our content. But, FamilyLife has maintained that it would not present major content resources without the gospel message... here's why...
For the last year, my 15 year old son, has been struggling with stress fractures in the lower portion of his back. They resulted from an injury that attacked the weakest part of his system (He grew 6 inches that year and the muscles around that area had not been well formed). The treatment is physical therapy which strengthens the area along with no strenuous exercise. This is very effective at elimating the pain and should solve the issue without complications. The problem is, the PT is very monotonous and getting an active 15 year old boy to take it easy for an extended period of time is very difficult. He feels fine, wants to be active, does something too aggressive and the pain quickly comes back. His mother and I are constanly after him to stay with his PT and to take it easy.
Marriages also have pain. Pain caused by poor behavior, missintentions, bad habits, selfishness, infidelity and other chronic injuries that naturally happen this side of heaven. Their marriage is the most important relationship on earth and they are suffering terribly because they can't make it work. This pain is often what brings these couples to FamilyLife. This pain could also be what the Lord is using to draw them to himself - a sort of Spiritual Therapy.
So, if we provided biblical tools and principles that helped their marriage relationship be more successful, could it be that we are preventing them from getting to a point where they recognize their need for Christ?
So, we have decided not to take that risk, in a way urge them to stay with the Spiritual Therepy journey God has them on.
For the last year, my 15 year old son, has been struggling with stress fractures in the lower portion of his back. They resulted from an injury that attacked the weakest part of his system (He grew 6 inches that year and the muscles around that area had not been well formed). The treatment is physical therapy which strengthens the area along with no strenuous exercise. This is very effective at elimating the pain and should solve the issue without complications. The problem is, the PT is very monotonous and getting an active 15 year old boy to take it easy for an extended period of time is very difficult. He feels fine, wants to be active, does something too aggressive and the pain quickly comes back. His mother and I are constanly after him to stay with his PT and to take it easy.
Marriages also have pain. Pain caused by poor behavior, missintentions, bad habits, selfishness, infidelity and other chronic injuries that naturally happen this side of heaven. Their marriage is the most important relationship on earth and they are suffering terribly because they can't make it work. This pain is often what brings these couples to FamilyLife. This pain could also be what the Lord is using to draw them to himself - a sort of Spiritual Therapy.
So, if we provided biblical tools and principles that helped their marriage relationship be more successful, could it be that we are preventing them from getting to a point where they recognize their need for Christ?
So, we have decided not to take that risk, in a way urge them to stay with the Spiritual Therepy journey God has them on.
