Family!

Unfortunately, not everyone in this world has a good sense of family. However, when family is as God would have it there is experienced a blessed sense of acceptance, caring, nurturing, security, strength, support, unconditional love, unity, etc. Someone has described home as being "where the stomach gets three meals a day and the heart gets a thousand." What a wonderful picture of sustaining nourishment. God intended for family to be A PLACE TO BELONG. That is also true in the spiritual family; the church, the household of God.

Today and this month mark two anniversaries in the life of my wife and I. Today marks our having been married for 36 years. The beginning of this month also marks having labored among and with the church here in Port Townsend, Washington for 26 years. Though I did preach all five Sundays in July of 1984, our official fulltime status began in August of that year. As my wife and I were talking with some of our brethren this past Sunday she noted that we have been here for all but ten years of our married life together. Though as in all relationships (both within the physical family and spiritual family) there are ups and downs experienced, the blessings of my marriage to my wife and participation in the FAMILY OF GOD far exceed the challenges faced. God and our brethren have been very good to us. Because my wife and I love each other so much and are committed to the relationship, we have worked through whatever conflicts we encountered. "Out of reverence for Christ" ( Ephesians 5:21) we need to be that way with each other within the church as well.

Though it sadly seems that some congregations treat their preachers as an "employee", I have been blessed to be made to feel a definite PART OF THE FAMILY. And that is how we ought to be toward one another as we recognize we are "MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD." ( Ephesians 2:19) Though we may have different functions, EACH FAMILY MEMBER IS SIGNIFICANT. That happens when we genuine love is nurtured that causes us to "outdo one another in showing honor." ( Romans 12:10) If there is to be a competitive spirit among us, let it be to that end.

As Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, he exhorted them. . .
"(9) And let us NOT GROW WEARY OF DOING GOOD, for in due season we will reap, if we DO NOT GIVE UP. (10) So then, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD TO EVERYONE, and ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH." ( Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)

As we enjoy the blessings of God being a part of HIS FAMILY, let us do our part to be a blessing to the rest of the family. We need each other and ought to cherish the relationships we share in Christ. May those around us witness the blessing God intended family to truly be in our homes and in the church. As we praise God for having not given up on us, let us not give up on each other.

Have a great day WILLING TO WORK WITH AND FOR ONE ANOTHER!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Relationships