What it means to be in God’s family

by Barrett Vanlandingham (written 10-6-2021)

             We all know there are advantages to being part of God’s family. For starters, salvation, fellowship, and support along life’s journey.

Each of us in our church family has experienced the goodness and blessings that come as Christian friendships grow, and often become closer than blood relatives. Even those who haven’t yet developed those close relationships often receive the blessings of being associated with our congregation. But just like a marriage or a family unit, the church family thrives most when we are a blessing to others, not just when we receive blessings.

  Each of us has an important role to play in the overall success of our church family and what makes it appealing to each of us. You see, if I do not fully participate, or if I forget to follow through with my responsibility to the church family, then I become a “taker” or a “consumer” instead of being a “blessing” or a “giver” to others in the group. At various times, we all find ourselves on either end of that as we experience life’s peaks and valleys.

Here is a motivational tale that has been circulating through social media for the last couple of years:

 A wise teacher once brought balloons to school for students to inflate, write their names on them, and then toss them into the hall. The teacher moved through the hall mixing them all up. The kids were given five minutes to find the balloon with their name on it. They searched frantically, but no one found their own balloon.

Then the teacher told them to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon.

The teacher said to the students, “These balloons are like happiness. We won’t find it when we’re only searching for our own. But if we care about someone else’s happiness … it will ultimately help us find our own.”

The writer of Hebrews makes the connection between Christian fellowship and the encouragement we give and receive that helps each of us stay on the path to heaven (Hebrews 10:24-27).

The apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when he wrote these words:  “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Have a great week!