Chris' Corner -- Sunday, February 6, 2022
We are family. We are not onlookers or outsiders. We are family—brothers and sisters in the household of God.
Family members love one another and enjoy spending time together. We learn to depend on one another. Families work together to accomplish what is needful for one or all. Families meet the challenges of life and solve problems. We know, by sticking together, anything is possible.
Everyone should feel like they are a part of and have a role in this great family of God. Love and fellowship should be foremost on our minds. But far too often, some Christians think like an outsider looking in. This is discouraging for everyone—those looking in and those involved in the work of the church. The apostle Paul encouraged the Galatian brethren, "...let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10).
Family is where we receive comfort when we're hurting. We are lifted up by spending time with loved ones. As Paul commanded, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). The household of God is one of encouragement, moral support, and understanding.
Paul told the Corinthians, "...there should be no schism (division, dissension, CES) in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:1-2).
In the Christian family, we all have our work to do. It's vital for the growth of the body of Christ. As Paul said, "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:15-16).
We are familiar with the expression, "Blood is thicker than water." It speaks of how strong the family bond is compared to other relationships. Family members stick together, defend each other, and help one another. How much greater is the blood of Christ that makes us family and binds us together as Christians. We "have been brought near by the blood of Christ...Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:13, 19).
As Paul said, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14-15).
May we never forget our relationship with our fellow Christians—our church family. If for some reason you have forgotten, stop looking in the window. Stop acting like a stranger. The door is open. Come inside where you belong! You are very welcome to join in. This is your family. We are your brothers and sisters in the household of God.