11/26/11
Greetings, As you are well aware, this past Thursday was Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time for get-togethers and reflection on all of the things we are thankful for. It is a celebration of the blessings that we enjoy in our lives. A common theme of thankfulness is the presence of family with whom we can share the ups and downs of life.
Nonetheless, not all families are as functional as others. Some are downright dysfunctional. The most unfortunate part is that it often seems that the families that should be the most functional often have the most dysfunction. This is particularly true of a family I am going to share about today. This family is the family of God on earth.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14-15)
It is no good for any family to be in a state of feuding. When any family is broken into factions it weakens the family as a whole. It removes a foundation of identity and it opens up doors for the enemy to work his wickedness. The fact that the family of God is broken up into many factions and divided against each other is not good. Reconciliation must be established and for this cause we have all been given the ministry of reconciliation.
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18)
The fact that the body of Christ is a family is poorly understood by a majority of Christians. If we are honest with ourselves, we often view other Christians as people that share the same religion that we adhere to. We give them little consideration beyond this. We don’t look at fellow believers as family and in this way it becomes all too easy to dismiss them as less important to our lives than they really are.
If we compare our approach to fellow believers with the approach of the first church our approach to Christianity is honestly unacceptable.
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)
This year, I challenge you not only to be thankful for your relatives and the other blessings in your life, but also for every person that is your brother or sister in Christ. I am convinced that if we begin with an attitude of thankfulness towards one another it will make it easier to break the walls that separate us.
Discussion
1. What are you thankful to God for?
2. Do you consider other Christians your family?
3. How often have you felt that other Christians viewed you like family?
4. How does the church of Acts 2 compare with your experience?
5. How do you think that God feels as the Father of such a dysfunctional family?
