The Christian family has been, since the beginning of time, the basic institution of human society. Genesis 1:27 gives us the account of the creation of man and woman and immediately follows with the next verse saying, "Then God blessed them and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply,..." The first recorded command that man receives from God is the institution of the family. This should indicate the importance that God has placed on the family.

The use of the word "Christian" to describe the family is significant and should be well understood. Throughout the Bible, God pronounces the blessings and curses that will befall the family - but He makes a precise distinction between those who are His and those who are not His. First, and foremost, the individual must be dedicated to God and His commands; but following a close second is the entire family which should be an example and a light to those who are lost.