Family Government - Does it exist anymore?

Have you ever wondered about word evolution, etymology? Well, as the structure of family government continues to break down in society, transcending national boundaries, it is no wonder that the definition of government has followed suit. Or, did the definition change and influence our society? Regardless, this point was first brought to my attention when listening to the Christian radio station in Rochester, MN - KFSI. There is a daily ~one minute program called The Legal Alert put out by the Christian Law Association. Back in January, they had a broadcast on government, and this is what they said:

What is Government?

If you graduated from high school after World War II, you probably don’t really know what government is.

Most Americans today equate government only with local, state and national authority.  Historically, that aspect of government was known as “Civics.”  The term government itself was much more expansive.  In 1828, Noah Webster defined government as “Control or restraint”, which started with personal self-control, expanded to family and church control, and only then to state or civil government control.  By 1972 , Webster’s Dictionary was defining government only as “The exercise of authority by the state.”  As many Americans have abandoned self-government, family government and church government as legitimate controls on society, the civil government has assumed greater power and authority over our lives.  That was not the original intent of America’s founders.  If you think the government is doing too much, maybe it’s time to look back at self-government, family government and church government as part of the solution.

Since I'm a bit inquisitive (when it comes to certain things at least), I decided to take full advantage of seeking out the Webster's Dictionary owned by the Mayo brothers.

Here I am holding the Mayo brothers' copy of Webster's Dictionary in the Mayo Foundation House.

Mayo brothers' Webster's Dictionary, published ~1920.
"Act or fact of governing; exercise of authority in regulating the action of something; control;...as church government; family government; specif., the direction of affairs of state; the ruling and administration of the political body."

Webster's Dictionary 2011: 1.the act or process of governing; specifically : authoritative direction or control 2. obsolete : moral conduct or behavior.

Surprisingly, the definition of government pertaining to self-control and family have become obsolete.   

Thomas and I were fortunate to receive a gift to attend a Weekend to Remember Marriage Conference for both pre-married and married couples in Rochester this past weekend. It was an incredible experience, and I (and Thomas) would recommend it for the entire gambit of marriages - engaged couples, newlyweds, divorced couples, couples with kids, and empty nesters. Of the topics discussed, one of the issues was the importance of family government and what it should look like.

As the March draws to a close, Thomas and I are marching forward and proactively adding to our foundation in Christ. Officially, the wedding date is now nearing FOUR MONTHS away (exactly on Wednesday). Please continue to pray for us, our relationship with the other, and our relationships with God.