Reviving Christian Values: A Call to Action from Marilyn Howshall
I recently watched this incredible video lecture about reviving Christian values by Marilyn Howshall called “If My People…—What Are the ‘Ways’ of 2 Chronicles 7:14?” (the first in a series). I just had to share some of my takeaways with you. Marilyn dives deep into the Bible passage 2 Chronicles 7:14, discussing how we, as a Christian community, need to shake off our “wicked ways” to truly achieve spiritual and community revival. She touches on everything from how we manage our families, to how we educate our kids, all rooted in bringing back true biblical Christian values. It was such an eye-opener!
To begin, Marilyn talks about how many Christian families have started to adopt more secular norms. The church is drifting away from what the Bible teaches about Christian values, family and parenting. She’s all about bringing revival, starting right from our homes. She shares that as parents, we should be the main source of spiritual and moral guidance for our kids—not just the providers. To accomplish this means shifting to a family life that’s focused more on relationships and spending quality time together. Our family life should be centered on encouraging spiritual growth and instilling biblical teachings.
The Need for Educational Reform
Next, she really drives home the need for educational reform. Marilyn is really worried about the secular influences in our public schools and how they clash with our Christian values. Frankly, we should all be concerned, our schools are a real mess! She’s a big proponent of homeschooling, which she sees as the best way for parents to take full charge of both the educational and spiritual upbringing of their children. She suggests that our churches could do more by providing resources and support, and encouraging families to choose homeschooling. She suggests they can do so by offering Christian-based curricula and setting up co-op educational experiences. I wholeheartedly agree!
The Path to True Revival
Marilyn links the potential for a broader spiritual revival to how we instill Christian values at home. She stresses the importance of parents really stepping up as the primary spiritual guides for their children. This means moving away from just going through the motions of religious activities to really engaging deeply in our kids’ spiritual education. This hands-on discipleship is crucial for sparking a real revival – starting from our homes, which could then spread across the church and beyond!
Her overarching message is that if we get back to biblical basics in how we run our families and educate our kids, the church will naturally have a stronger role in society. Families that embody true Christian teachings can set a powerful example for the wider community. We should be promoting values like integrity, charity, and faithfulness. Marilyn believes this could strengthen the church’s influence and help shape a society that reflects Christian principles more faithfully.
Revival Starts in the Home
The bottom line in Marilyn’s video is this call to action – for all of us believers to reflect on and overhaul the foundational parts of our family life and education. It’s not just about education, but a heartfelt plea for us to return to a lifestyle that’s driven by our faith. It isn’t just about bettering our own families, but it is crucial to transform the entire Christian community for future generations. It really made me think about how the health of our church and its impact on society starts right at home. What do you think?
I really enjoy Marilyn’s teachings and her many books, especially “Empowered: Healing the Heartbeat of Your Family”. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it! If you apply the principles in this book, your family will be forever changed – for the better!
