Isn’t it wonderful when you witness a family working together to generate a healthy environment for all that come into contact with them? We have all seen a family business that just seems to be better, and do better because of the individuals who are involved, and we have unfortunately seen the opposite as well. When it is obvious to observers that it doesn’t work, then chances are that for those directly involved it is not working!
On the flip side, we love to see a family business that flourishes in all respects. These organizations not only make the family happy, but everyone else is drawn to them as well.
When I reflect on our church family it really is no different. In this case, we know that a family of believers must function as a unit that reflects peace and love. We should desire to be a family that brings accountability to one another in love, deep abiding respect, and a strong witness of Jesus. And, this witness must begin with each believer inside the family of God before we can effectively demonstrate the character of Jesus to people on the outside.
As I am writing this morning, I am reminded that when our daughters were young we had a certain standard that we required both inside and outside of our home. We wanted the atmosphere that we created in our family to be reflective of our faith whenever we invited people into our home, or when we encounter them elsewhere. Our walk needed to reflect the reality of who we claimed to be even when no one was watching.
These days we know that someone is always watching, and although we understand that this can be used in very negative ways, we want to be the exception. When we get overheard in conversation or caught on camera we want it to be used for good.
The exception we want others to see is a family business that has put God first, and that loves others as He loves us.
I believe if we do this then we will find that our participation in our church families will be greatly increased. Essentially, we want to attract people who are in need of love, who are desperately lonely and afraid, and who need a family that welcomes them in Jesus name.
Ephesians 4:1-6 CSB Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you, to live worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called in one hope at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.