Create Structure
By Marilynn Chadwick
Once, while driving through Kentucky, I crossed over the state line and was greeted by this billboard: “Kentucky: Unbridled spirit.” That sounded appealing – especially right there in horse country.
But as I thought about it, unbridled – without restraint – didn’t sound like such a good thing. We humans work best with boundaries. Unbridled sounds too close to disorder.
Disorder can be a stealth enemy of families. This insight came from a friend who works in a fragile community. Pastor Ken, as he’s affectionately known, is the minister of a thriving inner-city church. He grew up one of four children born to a single mother in a poor neighborhood. Pastor Ken made his way out of poverty. But he felt called by God to return and help other families escape to a better life.
One day, Pastor Ken shared a surprising insight. “Do you know what families in poor neighborhoods need most?” he asked. Hmm. Education, jobs, health care, Jesus? “Structure,” he said emphatically. “If they don’t have structure, they don’t have anywhere to hang all the other lessons they learn.”
I’ve never forgotten Pastor Ken’s answer. If wars are won through discipline, strategy, and preparation, then they’re lost by disorder and lack of readiness. I’m reminded of the United States Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus, which means “always ready.”
If I’m serious about honoring my husband and guarding our home, it makes sense to create order, routine, and structure. That’s how I can best make it a peaceful haven for our family. Structure helps keep us alert and “always ready.” Structure is vital to the strength of our homes and marriages.
Recover the lost art of honor – and improve your relationships!
Strong, healthy relationships require honor –because people must treat each other with respect in order to develop trust and love. That’s why the Bible commands us to honor our brothers and sisters in Christ.
But that’s not always easy – especially when others frustrate us.
We want to help you improve your relationships – including your marriage – with The Lost Art of Honor, a new CD series from David and Marilynn Chadwick.
This powerful, four-part series will teach you…
- What the Bible says about honoring each other
- Practical ways to show honor to those around you
- How to cultivate a culture of honor
The Lost Art of Honor is our way of saying thanks for your gift below to give others a fresh perspective on the reasons for hope in Jesus Christ.
So, thank you for your generosity to provide a Christian voice of reason in the modern world.
For more from Moments of Hope, visit us at MomentsofHope.org.
