People have been using money to buy their way out of problems for centuries. No, millennia. Money can buy good attorneys, silence accusers and whistle-blowers, bribe officials, demand preferential treatment, hire “fixers,” and pay off rivals. 

Mothers and fathers might choose to define being good providers in their home as bringing in enough money. But a family has needs greater than great food and comfortable lodging: “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). A bitter spirit in your home can destroy all the joy. You know, you may have to work harder at family relationships than at your job. 

Satan hates families because they represent everything that he will never have—trust, love, and security. All he knows is hatred, envy, fear, and grudges, and he will plant those evil seeds wherever he can. On a scale of 1 to 10, what is the strife level in your home right now? What is your plan to lower it?

Here are four steps: 1) Decide to be a servant leader and go first in taking responsibility for things you’ve said or done wrong. Apologize without rationalizations. Dare to model personal accountability especially in front of your children. 2) Ask questions and listen, rather than giving sermons justifying yourself. 3) Work your brain and come up with three things you appreciate about each family member and say them out loud in front of an audience. 4) Hold hands and pray together.