by Chris Steele

December 24, 2006

The holidays bring a lot of joy and celebration as loved ones and friends get together to enjoy warm fellowship and love. Most would say being together is one of the most important things in maintaining love and goodwill in our families.

In our spiritual lives we should enjoy the company of our brothers and sisters in the church. When we think of fellowship we should remember the family of God. Getting together is important in maintaining a strong faith and devotion to God and His work. Truth tells us, “Let brotherly love continue (Hebrews 13:1). “Let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

As the new year approaches, let us have the conviction that love dictates when family is involved. Let us resolve to think more about our relationship with God and His family. Do not willfully miss the times when our River Road family gets together. This would include both of our worship services on Sunday, as well as Bible Study on Sunday and Wednesday. Sometimes we have special family events such as gospel meetings, Vacation Bible School, and Tuesday Bible class. As a family surely we do not want to miss these opportunities to stir up love and good works.

Our earthly families are a wonderful blessing from God. He expects us to love, cherish and support them. But God has a family too. He wants us to recognize that His family will outlast those here on earth. For this reason we must love that family more (Matthew 10:37-39)! Brethren, may we think more seriously about scheduling family times, work, and entertainment around God and His church.