10 Commandments That Work in a Large Family
Establishing rules for a large family can be a overwhelming task. However, the Ten Commandments from the Bible can be a starting point for creating these rules. By setting rules, the children of the household can grow to be respectful, obedient and loving towards others.
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Love God
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Parents should teach that the person the children should love more than anything else is God. The parents can set the example by showing their children how to pray and setting aside family worship time.
God is First
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The most important thing in a family should be God. This can be shown by having no other statues or idols in the house that the individuals put emphasis on or praise above God.
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No Foul Language
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In a large family, cussing or taking the Lord's name in vain should not be tolerated. The parents need to set the example that the Lord's name should be respected and loved just like any family member.
Rest on Sunday
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Sunday should be a day of rest with the family, which in a large family can be difficult with everyone's schedules being different. This will require a large amount of organization on everyone's part. It will help by making it a tradition, such as a standard afternoon cookout filled with family games, fun, laughter and plenty of rest.
Respect Your Parents
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The fifth commandment states that children should love and respect their parents. This needs to be followed through by disciplining the children when they disrespect their parents through disobedience or ignorance.
Never Hurt Anyone
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With a large family conflicts are bound to occur. However, individuals within the family can not hurt each other through physical or verbal actions. For example, an argument might occur between two individuals, and before you know it eight family members are involved. This type of situation may be avoided if the two think carefully about the words used so no one is hurt.
Committed Parents
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The parents of a large family need to set an example of faithfulness and love toward each other. This will help the children to see and learn how to act toward their future mates.
No Stealing
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Another major rule a large family can follow concerns stealing. Individuals within a family do not take anything from another without asking for permission first. If items are taken without asking, this is considered stealing. Stealing outside the family should not occur, either.
Never Lie
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The truth is always better than telling a lie. No matter how bad the truth is or whoever it hurts, an individual in the family must tell the truth to the parents. One lie in a large family may hurt several of the members because it keeps growing with as the situation receives attention from each of the members. This snowball effect can be avoided by telling the truth.
Covet Nothing
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With large families come many different possessions which may cause other members in the house wanting them, such as electronics, sporting equipment or clothing. By respecting others and their possessions, the need to covet others items can be avoided. Parents can help by teaching the children how to share, which gives each child an opportunity to use or experience the items.
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References
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