The Dismantling of Family Life in the U.K.

This may appear to be provocative to some, but that is not intentional on my part.

I was reading an article dealing with the obsessive reliance upon social media that characterises so many young people here in the U.K.

The Word of God reveals the mind of God concerning the preciousness of the family relationship; and it is alluded to right from the commencement of Creation. And immediately after the universal flood, mankind was exhorted to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." Genesis 2:24; 8:1.

 This divinely-devised relationship mirrors that of the intimate one enjoyed by the believer: "He came unto His own (things) and His own (people) received Him not. But as many as received Him to them gave He the (right)authority to become children of God, to those who believe on His name."  John 1:11,12.

John's First Epistle is replete with the expression of family connections especially in chapter two. He uses the phrase "children of God" a number of times also.

We are so familiar with the lovely setting forth of the Hebrew Servant, especially as a beautiful type of our Saviour in His unspeakable love for His master, His wife and His children. Exodus 21:5.

I feel this is enough to confirm God's design for family relationships to be held in much honour as pleasing to Him.

To return to the article I referred to at the beginning of this post. The obsession with "social media," which plagues society, (that is a contradiction in itself,) especially the youth of today, has been thoroughly researched. It is not my purpose to extrapolate any statistics, but simply to record that which I find so disturbing in dismantling family ties.

it seems that a vast number of young people spend an inordinate total of hours in their own room in the family home. Spending excessive periods in the use of social media platforms, on their mobile phones and in "gaming." Their parents hardly see them when they return from school, college or the workplace. There is no opportunity for the family to share any kind of loving relationship, nor engage in conversation, as the younger members of the household spend their communications with their peers.

Social media is not inherently evil, but its few benefits are hugely outweighed by its nature to enslave almost anyone; it is not young people exclusively, you only have to walk abroad to see countless folk in constant conversation etc. on their mobile phones as they walk. Often oblivious to all around them; and sometimes rudely remaining on the phone while being served in the shops. it is a national malady. 

I am sufficiently intelligent to realise I am practically ignorant of the "digital world," if that is and acceptable phrase. But what is causing me so much distress is the general disfunction of family life, and no hope of arresting its progress. but I am appealing to my fellow saints to exercise discipline to prevent this sad behaviour from breaking down the family unit. We are in danger of "losing" an entire generation. 

May the Lord grant wisdom to every believing father and mother in order that family life will be characterised by family love, in the Lord.