It's All in the Family

It’s All in the Family

 

            At one time the American family stood for everything good, honest and moral; where right was right and wrong was wrong.  The family worked together for what they needed and didn’t expect anything to be handed to them.  The whole family; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins stood together helping one another in times of need. 

            In today’s society ‘family’ doesn’t hold the same meaning as it once did.  Brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles often live within a few miles of each other, but rarely visit or even call.  Many of us may long to be like “The Walton’s”, but in truth are more like the television families we watch while they struggle to find individual self-satisfaction.  Their motto is, “If it feels good, do it and above all don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way.”
            In Old Testament times, family meant covenants.  A covenant was sealed by the spilling of blood; generally a sacrifice.  To break a covenant was to sin.  The New Testament speaks more of commitments in family relationships and faith relationships.  Christian family relationships were based on openness and compassion, forgiveness and understanding.  The image of committed family relationships was so important; it was used to describe the relationship of Christ and the church.  (see Ephesians 5)
            Today we speak of ‘The Family of God’ where all believers are members of the household of faith.  This is a relationship with the church.  There are three parts to these relationships that help us live and work together for the glory of God.  1) Resolving conflicts, 2) Respecting leadership, and 3) Behaving in a manner that pleases God.
            Resolving Conflicts:  Jesus gives us some guidelines to follow in Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”  Most of us don’t follow these guidelines.  Rather than confront one another, we talk behind each others backs and then withdraw our friendship.  Jesus said we have gained a closer relationship if we can work out our differences.  If not, there are consequences; “But if he will not listen take on or two others along so that every matter may be established by testimony of two or three witnesses.  If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”  This must be done prayerfully and led by the Holy Spirit.
            Do we leave them to be snatched back into Satan’s clutches; of course not.  Galatians 6:1 says,  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him.”  Those who are spiritually mature should do everything they can to restore those who have fallen into sin.  Remember, someday you might need restoration in some area in your life and would want to be treated with love and mercy.
            Respecting Leadership:   Every clan or family group needs leaders and it’s been that way throughout the ages.  This is true in the church as well.  Leaders in the body of Christ have a huge responsibility.  God has placed them in authority over us in the realm of spiritual training.  This doesn’t mean they will always do the right thing; they may make mistakes and unwise decisions in their humanness, but their responsibilities are greater than most of us would want to assume.  Paul writes in I Thessalonians 5:12-13, “Now we ask you, brothers to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.  Live in peace with each other.”  Don’t forget they need encouragement, appreciation and cooperation.  You may not agree with everything the leadership does and says, but their position in the church demands respect.
            As the morals in our country have declined, so has respect for authority.  The titles, Bishop, Reverend, Pastor, Elder and Deacon might not mean much to you.  We hear the disrespect of those who say, “Titles don’t mean anything – they put their pants on just like anyone else.”  Those kinds of statements mean either low mentality or ignorance.  One only has to read God’s Word to know what happened to those who showed lack of respect for Moses authority.  Too many show their lack of respect by referring to their pastors by their first name.  If you hear anyone in the church call the pastor by his first name, they should be stopped and admonished.
            Behaving in a Manner that Pleases God:  God has called us to walk Holy lives; to love one another; live quiet life; mind your own business and work to take care of yourself and not depend on others if you are able.  If we don’t live in this manner, we will be punished.  Many think they can live like the devil and still be called Christians.  Remember, we will reap what we sow.  Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship with Jesus Christ.
            Loving on another doesn’t always mean liking another’s attitudes, characteristics or actions.  It does mean caring what happens to others, praying for them, and loving their soul enough to overcome our own petty reactions.
            Part of our life means to be industrious be being willing to work at whatever is put before us.  How many times do we hear people who are out of work say, “I’m not going to lower myself to work at a fast food place; I’d rather starve than do that.”  Well, maybe we should let them go hungry for a while if their pride is too great to earn an honest living.  The apostle Paul had no problem working at what was looked down on, in those times as the lowest form of work; making tents.
            In the ‘thirties’, the Depression touched every part of America and most did what they could to make a meager living.  Men took off their business suits and put on overalls to dig ditches.  Doctors took garden produce in turn for services.  Clothes were handed down again and again.  Nothing went to waste.  Times were tough and there were no food pantries to go to.  Everyone worked and everyone shared.  Those were the days of “The Walton’s”.  They were good days, but hard days when people took pride in their honesty and work.  “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”    [1 Corinthians 10:31  NKJ]

Remember this; it’s part of being “All in the Family”!