This is the fourth and final week of exploring how to construct a better family. In week one we looked at the importance of building upon God’s foundation. Week two, we talked about the importance of constructing a roof of love. Last week, we focused on how we can construct walls of righteousness that will protect and bless our family.
If I ever had the money, I would love to stay at a Ritz Carlton hotel, if even for just one night. The name Ritz Carlton is synonymous with excellence and luxury, a reputation that is well earned. Ritz Carlton hotels feature all the things you would expect from a luxury hotel: grand entryways, five star restaurants, high-end beds and linens, large and luxurious swimming pools, great locations, etc. However, it is more than excellent facilities that have gained Ritz Carlton their reputation: it is there extreme dedication to servicing customers. Every Ritz Carlton employee, from the CEO to the cleaning team, is given a budget to improve customers stays. If a maid sees a particular candy wrappers in a room’s trash, they are encouraged to surprise the customer with a package of that candy on their bed. If a bellman notices a girl sad that she forgot her favorite doll at home, he is empowered to leave his post, go to a store, and purchase her a new one (on the company’s dime). There is even a story of three Ritz Carlton employees purchasing metal detectors and working through the night to find a lost wedding ring. Now THAT is dedication to serving others!
I love Ritz Carlton’s dedication to serving costumers They are 100% committed to improving the experiences of their customers. We should have the same sort of commitment to serving our entire family. Our focus should always be on how we can make life better for everyone in our family. Checkout these four short verses in Ephesians 4.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 4:1-4
Paul is telling children that they should honor their parents, or in other terms that thy should aim to make their parents better. Similarly, he tells parents that they should not anger or hurt their children, but instead teach them to follow God. In other words, they should focus on making them better. I’ve used the image of a kitchen to symbolize the importance of serving our family, because the kitchen is often the hub of service in our family. It is where we prepare food, serve food, and in many cases have our most important conversations. It is the service engine of our home. My encouragement to you today is to always be seeking to improve every member of your family. To improve their day, their mood, and their faith. To be a blessing in their lives. No matter your position in your family your role is clear (just like that of Ritz Carlton workers): to serve and improve the lives of everyone in your family.
