Friends For The Journey

I was a pastor and missionary for over 20 years. My active involvement in various aspects of church life often took me away from my family, particularly my two younger children (a painful regret for me).

A few years ago, when I resigned from being a pastor, I felt that God began to lead me to focus my primary attention and energy on my wife and children. One thing after another came up that required that I lay aside my own plans and agenda in order to serve my family. I leaned to shop, cook and clean so that Debbie could finish her degree. I remodeled a house for my mother-in-law. I baby-sat and took care of my oldest daughter when she had her second child. I spent a lot of time ‘hanging out’ with my youngest daughter and my son in order to rebuild broken relationships.

At one point I became thoroughly frustrated and said to God, “I don’t have any time for ministry! All I do is take care of my family!” I intuitively felt that it was if God smiled and said, “…and your point is…?” In rare moment of clarity, I realized that God was trying to teach me that the church is the family of God and that all ministry must begin with the family. I repented and began to learn how to be a shepherd for my family.

In the last few years, rather than going to an organized church, I meet with my family (both natural and spiritual) for prayer, worship, encouragement and study of the scriptures.

The second purpose that God has for us according to Rick Warren, is to be part of God’s family.

Chapter 15 is Formed for God’s Family.

“See how very much our heavenly father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!” (1 John 3:1).

You were formed to be part of God’s family.

Because God is love, he treasures relationships. The Trinity is identified in family terms: father, son and Spirit. When we choose to place our faith in Jesus, God becomes our father and we become his children. Other believers become our brothers and sisters. In some ways, the spiritual family is more precious than the natural family because the spiritual family will last forever.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN GODS FAMILY The moment we are ‘born’ into God’s family we are given marvelous gifts: the family name, the family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access, and the family inheritance. BAPTISM: IDENTIFYING WITH GOD’S FAMILY Healthy families have a healthy identity. Baptism is the primary way that we identify ourselves with Christ and with his family. Baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual truth. It is also an act of initiation – a visible reminder of an inward commitment. It is a metaphor of a new beginning and a new life as part of God’s family. LIFE’S GREATEST PRIVILEGE Jesus is not ashamed to call us his sisters and brothers (Heb. 2:11). This is amazing! You are part of God’s family and God is proud of you! Jesus said “These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” (Matt. 12:49-50).

Being included in God’s family is a high honor and the greatest privilege we will ever receive.

Point to Ponder: I was formed for God’s family.

Verse to Remember: “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his one family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5).

Question to Consider: How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family.