The Rise and Fall of Every Major Empire

Carle Clark Zimmerman, a notable Harvard University sociologist and eminent professor, once studied the rise and fall of every major empire in world history especially Greece, Rome, Europe, and America, but also Egypt, China, and India). More specifically, he traced what happened to the family in each of these empires. He concluded that families go through three phases, the last occurring before each major empire fell apart.

The three phases are the trustee family - 1) where the family or (extended family) is the law or highest authority in the land which makes for a strong society but leads to conflict and wars as there is no higher law than the family itself; 2) the domestic family where the nuclear family is a wholesome unit and part of a larger society, usually leading to civilization and prosperity; and producing the 3) third phase - the atomistic family where personal pleasures, desires, and preferences take over family responsibilities and weaken the family until society or civilization collapses.

In his book Family and Civilization (published in 1947 and considered solid, thorough, and 'prophetic' by many, in terms of what is occurring today), he listed these characteristics of families in their final phase:

- Marriage lost its sacredness, and alternative forms of marriage were advocated.

- Feminist movements flourished

- Parenting became more difficult, acceleration of delinquency, and increased public disrespect for parents and authority in general

- A growing desire of and acceptance of adultery. Adultery is celebrated, rather than rejected.

- Increasing interest in sexual perversion.

How then are we raising our children?

Although the church should play a vital role in making mature and equipped disciples, no school and or church can or should take the place of the family. No teacher or pastor can or should do the work of a parent. The home should be the first and best church and the first and finest classroom!

Imagine having children who can interpret your heart, such that when you pray, they can give expression to your utterances in the spirit.

Imagine your children with the gift of faith and a desire to mature in it.

Imagine recurring family devotional sessions with eagerly participating children.?

Imagine a family praying together.?

Imagine a family serving in their community or mission trip together.?

Isn't this a parent’s delight?

What will be the legacy of your family's name? Will it be one that continues to make His name known for generations to come??

To impart stature and wisdom to a person, they must learn to grow in favor with God.

To raise a child, you need to teach them both the value of diligence and the virtue of the fear of the Lord.

To build a nation, education, technology, and industry are not enough; faith, prayer, the knowledge and worship of God are essential.

We need intentional parents who are responsible and willing to share the name of Christ but also to live out his principles

To be known by Him and desire his characteristics?

A great spiritual awakening

Training and instructions starting in the home and supported by the church?

Leaders who interpret the Bible and intercessors who open the heavens to our children

Parents and pastors who disciple the next generation

We need to equip a generation to reach a generation!?

Civilization may advance a people, but only righteousness can exalt a nation.

So, discipleship seems hard today, but it doesn't have to be. The sky is the limit for the kinds of goals you may want to set for your children. No one else knows them as well as you do. But you will come to know them even?better?as you guide them through some intentional age/stage goals to help them develop their growing faith. Best of all, they’ll be coming to know God and His?Word?even better, putting them ahead of the game spiritually for kids their age, and putting them in position to live out their faith in Him with deliberate devotion for a lifetime.

If you have a passion to raise your children in the Lord, this?Family Home Kit – Victorious Family?resource is designed for you.

Victorious Family help families to flourish! Order Your Kit Today. Consider becoming a Master Family Champion, inquire at Master Family Champion - Victorious Family