A prominent senator was dropped from the "Green Book"--the list of Washington societal elite who are invited to special functions. Why? Because he never attended the events. Instead, he went home each night to be with his family.

Then he discovered he had cancer. A difficult career choice faced him. The night before he announced his decision not to run for office again, he said to his wife, "You know, the only thing I'll probably ever be remembered for is that I loved my wife." To which she replied, "And what's wrong with that?"

Families that are built on love, respect, and togetherness instead of social climbing or the pursuit of successful careers are a nation's hope for survival. And when their values reflect a love for Jesus Christ, they hold a special place in God's plan for the world.

Cornelius was a Roman soldier who feared God even before he came to know Christ. God used him to spread the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:24-48). Rome could have used more families like his.

God-fearing families provide stability to individuals and nations when adversity strikes. And there's everything right about that.  — Dennis J. De Haan