In today’s fast-paced world, the complexities of day-to-day living present many challenges for families. Families are often required to make decisions that impact their present and future. It is in this environment, of necessity, convenience, and desire, that one is confronted with the need to make choices or prioritize actions for the family’s common good and advancement. This is especially true for families with children.

Parents find themselves faced with choices that pit the needs of their spousal responsibilities against their parental responsibilities. Although it should be the goal to rear and provide for a proper upbringing of their kids, sometimes in doing so, applying the same conviction to the spousal relationship takes a back seat.

The choice of who should come first, the kids or the spouse, is transformed into confusion and doubt, rather than a step forward. It is in this situation, that one must not discount or eliminate the elements of one’s faith.

Whenever confronted with the choice of who should come first, turn to the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all those things shall be added to you.”

When we focus on God’s kingdom as our ultimate goal, and live a life based on loving others as we love ourselves, then the choices of conflict become an exercise of: What would Jesus do?

If we strive for a life of righteousness, believing in our hope of God’s promises, then that which appears conflicting and impossible, is reduced to simply doing what is right.

The situations of life will change. When we are determined to do what is righteous in the eyes of God, whether for spouse or child, Christ makes sure that we win in the end. The key is to follow your heart. When you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love of our Father, the decisions which emanate from that place are right. For the heart knows not gender or race, spouse or child, nor family or friend.

The disciple who values the reign of God over his life, and who diligently pursues righteous living, can trust God to satisfy his needs.■