FAMILY TRAINS FOR FAMILY

        

        The Holy Spirit instructs Christians through Paul - 

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10)

        The use of the word "especially" is no accident. Applying especially in any sentence brings a special focus to whatever person, place or thing that comes afterward. In this case, "those who belong to the family of believers" or Christians are challenged to be particularly good to each other. Believers in Christ are to favor, support, encourage, pray for and help one another.

        However, before Christians make good, dependable servants for each other, they need to pay attention to their development as a member of their own blood family. Paul, writing in his first letter to his protégé Timothy, stressed - 

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)

        There is that word "especially" again. Paul focuses in on the blood family this time. He says, in between the lines, those that accept The Faith accept such tenets as -

"Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (Ephesians 6:2-3) 

and 

"Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." (Proverbs 1:8-9)

        If kids learn as quickly as possible, tenets like the ones mentioned above, the benefits are there for them immediately and follow them into their next family, should they decide to follow Christ. 

        

        For a son or daughter who adheres to Scripture about the blood family - it will go well with them and they will live long in the land. Another reward to flowing with God's laid out family relationship dynamic is that your father's instruction will grace your head or be able to be remembered. The other jewelry part is given by your mother. Your mother's teaching will be a chain to adorn your neck or life lessons your heart can hold forever.

        Biologically, we have no say as to what family we are born into. However, we do have the power of choice in becoming a part of the Christian Family. For those who have recently decided to follow Jesus and become a part of the Christian Family and for existing family members, let us consider our blood family development when we join the Christian Community, Church or Family. If we cannot take care of our own blood family, then how can we expect to contribute to the care and spiritual well-being of The Church Family?

        Those deciding to follow Christ will be staying eternally within this new family. All have brought baggage and will be bringing baggage. So, let's drop the negative, unwanted, unneeded stuff from our lives and move forward to more growth and development within The Christian Community or Church. Bring to the Christian Family dynamic the positive lessons and characteristics from your development within your blood family.  

        

        I realize not everyone's blood family development was as smooth, orderly and/or Christian as others, but by this point, the point of choosing to be in the Body of Christ, we need to realize and capitalize on the fact that  Family Trains For Family.