The Brown family is the model family. The family has eight children, and the mother is the only living parent. Her oldest child begs her to prepare a will, but the mother refuses. The mother says, Ive brought my children up right. You should know how to get along. The mother passes in a few years. All hell breaks loose. While the mother was in the hospital, some of the siblings were already taking things out of the house. Several items are missing. Siblings are not speaking to each other. The house cant be sold because no one agrees. The Brown family is a mess.

The Problem

Have you ever witnessed the destruction of a family? If you havent, watch what happens when a family has to deal with family property? You may brag that your family is perfectly sane and would not argue over trivial property matters. Your family is probably the exception. As I grow older, I constantly hear stories of families being torn apart because of disagreements over property.

Obviously, I dont get it from our parents. From the older generation, most dont want to prepare a will (I guess acting one may speed up the burial process). I cant believe it, but most have this picture of perfect children getting along.

The Gospel Truth

However, if the truth was revealed, the siblings never got along. I hear nightmare stories of major disagreements over dividing properties. It gets really complicated when you need to involve the next generation (nephews, nieces, cousins, etc.). The larger the people involved, the more issues you need to deal with. Dave Ramsey, nationally syndicated talk show host and author of Financial Peace, recommends that families sell the property. I have listened to numerous property nightmares on his show.

What is so bad about sharing family property? We are relatives. We should know how to love each other. The problem is everyone doesnt have perfect family members in their perfect families. Fighting over inheritance is nothing new. In Luke 12:13, an unhappy man who wants Jesus to make his brother share the inheritance of his father approaches Jesus. Jesus plainly informed him that it was not his purpose to settle this argument with his brother.

Obviously, Jesus could have intervened if he liked. Jesus didnt get involved for a reason. Eventually, the mans motives were not genuine. Jesus turns to the crowd (Luke 12:15) and explains, Dont be greedy! Owning a lot of things wont make your life safe. Do you have a relative who doesnt want to do right? You say go left. They go right. Theres always someone who refuses to do their part or refuses to get on board with the plan.

Theres always that family member who looking for something for nothing. Well, youre related to them now and you have joint property with them. I understand the issues because we are forced to deal with joint family property. Its not a pleasant thought. Here are some suggestions in helping you with your decisions:

• Talk with your parents about preparing a family will. Convey this is important for keeping peace in the family.
• Talk with siblings candidly about your concerns.
• Start making copies of family photos for everyone so that the precious photos dont disappear suddenly.
• Maintain an adequate savings in case you may need to use it with family properties.
• Determine in advance how you are going to respond to individuals who get on your last nerves in your family. This is a good time to think positively.
• Find friends who have dealt with the situation for advice and encouragement.
• Determine to keep a positive attitude even in the midst of confusion.

The Ideal Situation

Ideally, adults should be able to deal with family property. All it takes is a little maturity on peoples part. In the absence of this maturity, you get lots of drama and hurt feelings. You will get through it and become a stronger person (at least, you will have a stronger testimony in church). Stay the course. Love your relatives. Plan diligently for the future. Start today!