FAMILY

 “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Familiar

Affectionate

Moments

Inspiring 

Loyal

Yokefellows

Today’s culture, morality, sense of right and wrong is a stark contrast to familiar memories of my childhood. We have created for ourselves a world without respect, without truth, and without God.

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There have always been problems. Evil is a reality, but it can be, and for some has already been, overcome! Families aren’t perfect. Families are created by God to demonstrate His sufficiency, grace, forgiveness, and love.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:9-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Time is a limited commodity. We only have a few years as children, a few more as parents, and fewer still as grandparents. Enjoy the moments we have. Be examples of grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, and a source of healing while there is time. Make the most of the moments we have.

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The only way to create lasting influence on today’s culture is to rebuild the Christian family. A Hollywood version, or some idea of family that comes out of mainstream media will never inspire the Godly lifestyle that can reach beyond generational roadblocks and clear the path to salvation.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:23-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Familiar, Affectionate, Moments, Inspiring, Loyal, Yokefellows - family when it is patterned according to God’s design draws people into it. God calls us into His family and desires our loyalty in worship. He assigns us to the task of inspiring loyalty in others. Families carry the yoke together, working toward a common goal. That goal is sharing the gift of life in Christ.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Can we make our homes, churches, schools, and businesses a family? Only when we put God at the center!