Family! Really?

Just to get it out of the way before I move on – I know that there are dysfunctional families who avoid other members of their family, do not schedule or attend gatherings, disagree, struggle, argue, and generally avoid contact as much as possible. That is a sad commentary on relationships that ought to be lloving, supportive, and affirming.

I like the song with words that speak what ought to be the truth regarding the Church  – “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God. . .” (William and Gloria Gaither). Yet it appears that “gladness’ is not a driving force in the life of so many when it comes to  joining the “family” on a regular basis  at “Church” (for Worship and Bible Study and Fellowship and activities that promote and stimulate good works and spiritual growth and evangelism), even those who lay claim to “washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood; joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod; for I’m part of the family, the family of God.”

In Churches all across America there are significant numbers of folks (claiming membership in the body of Believers) who appear to be more interested in activities that don’t include the “family” than those that do. Finding time to participate in the collective pursuit of Godliness is less important than the pursuit of “lesser things.” Committing to the “one another” ministries designed for each Believer, takes a “back seat” to what are actually trivial distractions. God cannot be pleased with such things.

At our gatherings, our Pastor often asks us to pray for, reach out for, make contact with, those who choose “lesser things.” As a family, we are never comfortable leaving behind those who are less mature, less committed, less interested. We’re a family. . .and families stick together.