Loving God’s Family
Galatians 6:10 (NKJV)Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, ESPECIALLY to those who are of the household of faith.
The devil hates family because family is the creation out of the love and very heart of God. It’s no wonder he works overtime to destroy it. Think of society and all that’s been attacked. We see attacks on the father that’s called to lead the home, attacks in marriages in general, growing abortion numbers, wayward children and more. All these are a plot of the enemy to try to destroy God’s work.
I’m going to say something that may surprise you. The number one family you will ever know is that of a local church. Why do I say this? Before you stone me, let me explain. All family is good and God loves family. However, anyone in any circumstance can have a natural family. It’s not hard, I assure you. Note that I did not say a good family, I just said family. Yes, our natural family is important. I would never diminish that, even for an instant. There is however, something very different about a church family.
A church family is very similar in many aspects to our blood families. First, it’s made up of different kinds of people with different ideas. We often don’t get to choose the individuals who belong to it. Some are easy, some are hard, but all are human and that makes for an interesting bunch! The main difference is this: God has brought the church family together. While in our natural families the commonality is a natural bloodline, our spiritual family (church family) has a spiritual bloodline. This makes a BIG difference.
I am not suggesting we neglect our natural families, not in the least! I am putting forward that we need to bring more focus and attention to our spiritual family, holding it in as much esteem, for this is God’s will. Not more than but more! In life with your blood born families the bond is simply the bloodline. It does not go much further than that. Sure there is love, which is great, but that love is not as great.
What?!? Put down your rocks and hear me out! Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:46. “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” It’s easy and no special thing to love those who you love! Even sinners do that. What’s difficult is when you choose to love based on your connection with God. Loving those God has put you with, now there’s power in that!
God knew we would have natural families and His Word is clear on the importance of them. This is precisely why when He brought the Church together, He made it family. Notice how when the Bible refers to Christians we are called brethren or brothers. God did this purposely to show us how much this concept matters.
Brothers and sisters! We can not forsake God’s family if we want to see God! Remember what the Word says in 1 John 4:20, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” He is not referring to natural brothers and sisters here but your spiritual ones.
I encourage you all, in this time where there has been separation, do not lose sight of what is most important. Jesus says when we come together, He is in the midst. Us coming together is God’s holiday gathering! He loves it more than anything, and this is where His presence is found. If you want from God, if you need from Him, you have to be where He is, right smack dab in the midst of His family!
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff
