Does a healthy marriage have much of an impact on kids?  You bet!  Chief reminds us of the value of a healthy marriage.

Scripture

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Proverbs 17:1

Video

Transcript

Hey Camp Family. I want to try and answer a question for you today. “What is the value of kids experiencing a healthy marriage between their parents?” Proverbs 17:1 says, “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.”

In our home we live by the principle that a healthy relationship between mom and dad is the foundation of our family. And that foundation is made strong by our relationship with Jesus. Like rebar running through concrete, when me and my wife pursue Jesus then our marriage is strong. And if our marriage is strong then our children will experience the peace, love, security, and comfort that comes with it.

For a child if mom and dad are good then they feel safe. If they feel safe, then they are happy. But when a child has uncertainty about the health of mom and dad’s marriage then everything in their life becomes unstable. Like a house built on sand.

Because we live by that principle, we have been known to tell our kids that, “mom is the only one I chose” and vice versa. This doesn’t mean that we don’t love our children, but we know that one of the greatest gifts we can give them is not only the model of what a godly marriage looks like, but also to experience the wonderful blessing that flows from a home secured by a healthy, thriving relationship between mom and dad.

Now maybe life has dealt you a difficult hand and you find yourself in a single parent family whatever the reason. The good news is God is gracious. His mercies are new every morning. And while you did not plan for this current reality, God is aware, and He has everything you need to still provide your children with the peace, love, security, and comfort they need. God is bigger than your circumstances.

So, Parents – lean into Jesus, so His strength reinforces your life. After that, make your marriage the next relationship priority. Your children will thank you for it.

Reflect

1. What is a key takeaway from today’s verse?
2. What is the current condition of your marriage?
3. What is one thing you can do to help your marriage thrive more?

Camper Corner

• How would you describe your mom and dad’s relationship?
• In the times you sense conflict in their relationship, does that give you feeling of more or less – peace, love, security, and comfort?