Nepotism, defined as favoritism shown to relatives, often through appointments based on kinship rather than merit, remains a pervasive force in political and social structures worldwide. In America, despite historical efforts to replace the spoils system with a merit-based civil service system, family ties continue to influence political appointments and leadership succession. Examples include George W. Bush, son of a president and grandson of a senator, ensuring positions for relatives of prominent figures, and the Kennedy clan's extensive dynasty. Globally, nepotism is evident in nations like North Korea, Syria, and Iraq, where leadership often passes to children of former heads of state, and in lower echelons of government, especially in failing states, where kinship forms the basis of trust and organization among criminals and terrorists. Family-mafias thrive in regions like the former Soviet client states and the Balkans, leveraging blood ties for protection and power. Additionally, practices like cousin marriage in parts of the Middle East strengthen family loyalty at the expense of broader societal or state allegiance, undermining civil society and perpetuating instability. Family ties, whether through political dynasties or tightly bound extended families, consistently shape power dynamics across the globe.

The family is under attack across the world, influenced by a culture that has done little to promote strong family values. Once, the ideal was a nuclear family, owning a home, being married, and raising children as part of the American dream. However, this vision has eroded over time. Families are undermined in schools, churches, government, and media, facing deliberate challenges from various societal forces that aim to break down traditional structures of marriage and childrearing. These forces promote individual rights over community and responsibility, values that family has long represented. God established marriage and family from the beginning, creating man and woman to be fruitful and multiply, forming one flesh in a union designed for the proper environment to raise children. This institution was intended for the growth and development of children, both physically and spiritually, as no other setting works as effectively. Yet, the first family faced significant problems, leading to a corrupt society. In response, God started anew with Noah's family, a righteous example that provided a better foundation, though human civilization eventually declined again. The importance of family continues through the lives of the patriarchs, with detailed accounts of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob highlighting family relations as foundational to society. God called Abraham with family in mind, promising a new family that would bless all families of the earth. This vision extends to the ultimate purpose of forming the Family of God, where spiritual growth parallels the development in physical families, requiring similar qualities like love, nourishment, and obedience to reach maturity. Strengthening the family hinges on fundamental principles. Respect for parents is crucial, teaching children to honor authority, which extends to broader societal respect. Without this teaching, children fail to discern right from wrong, leading to pride, arrogance, and even violence, as they set their own standards devoid of moral grounding. Fidelity between husband and wife is equally vital, as marriage is a partnership of trust and mutual reliance to raise children. Infidelity destroys this trust, damaging the family and often leading to divorce, which inflicts great harm, especially on children, hindering their preparation for God's calling. God views infidelity in marriage as seriously as unfaithfulness to Him, emphasizing that both are covenants requiring fidelity. Divorce is seen as a form of violence, rending the family and disrupting the environment needed for godly offspring. Strong families, built on fear of the Lord and adherence to His ways, bring blessings and form the backbone of strong communities and churches.

God's Family relationships demand loving action through right choices and service to one another. The standard of love within this Family is set by the profound care between the Father and the Son, a level we are urged to strive for in our relationships with each other. This high standard, though seemingly unattainable for weak humans, is made possible through the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, which enables us to meet the demands of such sacrificial love. Jesus Christ Himself exemplified this by setting the pattern of love to the utmost degree, not waiting for any prior favor but giving Himself freely. He assures us of His presence and support, promising never to leave nor forsake us, and through Him, we can achieve this level of loving concern for one another. We must actively work toward building these relationships by practicing love, as it will not appear miraculously but must be cultivated through consistent expression. This love, given by God, actuates further love within us, glorifying the Father as we return what He has bestowed. The consistent practice of this high degree of love should define God's own Family, fostering a unity of trust rather than rivalry or suspicion, and reflecting pure obedience to Christ. Our primary moral duty lies with fellow members of this spiritual community, the Kingdom of God, emphasizing a selective altruism where the Family comes first. This kinship, rooted in our association with God and Jesus Christ, binds us with family-like ties to others in the Kingdom, urging us to prioritize their well-being with sacrificial service.