Feb 3
See the Church as Your Family
Church is not just something you go do at a building.
To my kids:
Your mother and I are not perfect people. Sometimes we make our lives unnecessarily difficult through our shortcomings.
But we’ve committed to each other. A life-long commitment of love and trust.
We’re more than just two people who like each other — we’re a family. And so, as a family, we don’t walk away from each other. Instead, we work through our difficulties, help each other, and grow closer.
As much as your mother and I love you kids — and we love you very much — you aren’t perfect people either. You’ve all had difficulties, and we’ve done our best to help you through those times. When I’m writing this you’re young, so I’m sure there will be many more challenges you will face in the future.
And Lord willing, your mother and I will be there for you in the best way we know how. Because we love you. Because we are a family.
Hopefully having emphasized to you the importance of family, I want to change course a little bit.
The Church is a Family.
You need to see the Lord’s church as your family. But that’s not just me talking — God’s Word describes Christians as being God’s children (1 John 3:1). When you grow up and obey the gospel — I hope and pray — the church will be your family.
The church is a support group for each other in the same way a good family is there for each other through the good and bad times (1 Corinthians 12:26; Romans 12:15).
One of the most discouraging things to see as a Christian is to see a church that doesn’t treat one another like family. Also, just as discouraging, is to see individual Christians treat the church like something disposable — if they don’t like something or someone they just move on to the next one.
Families don’t treat one another this way. They shouldn’t, anyway. The church is a family. We should see the church as our family.
Sometimes families don’t treat each other like family — even the church fails in this regard sometimes. But you must love your family. You must love the church as your own family. You are responsible for yourself and doing what you ought to do — even if others aren’t holding up their end of the bargain.
Love the church like your family. Treat them like your own family because they are.
Until next time,
Love Dad
