Family Ties
Scripture Reading — 1 Timothy 3:14-16
I am writing you … so that … you will know how people ought to conduct themselves …
1 Timothy 3:14-15
Why should you belong to a church? That’s a fair question. After all, our relationship with Christ is what saves us—not our church membership. What’s more, churches come in so many shapes and sizes that we often have difficulty finding a fit. Some churches seem too big, others too small. Some sing too many traditional songs, others too many praise choruses. No wonder many people simply give up on the church.
But Paul’s description of the church helps us see why being part of a church is a critical part of our obedience. The church is God’s household, God’s family.
Ordinary family life can be messy at times. Spouses squabble with each other. Siblings don’t always get along. Still, families are the key building blocks of society. In healthy families, joys are celebrated, burdens are shared, and wisdom is passed from generation to generation. It’s tough to grow up without family support.
It’s the same in the family of God. God’s family members are there for each other, even when it’s inconvenient. In God’s household, family members learn from each other, encourage each other, and meet each other’s needs. It’s tough to become mature in the faith without being part of God’s family.
Don’t give up on the church. Get involved in the family of God. You’ll be blessed—and you’ll bless others.
Lord, forgive us when being part of your family doesn’t excite us. Help us to give of ourselves to others. Give us also the grace to receive and to love others. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Bob Heerspink
Dr. Robert Heerspink was director of Back to God Ministries International from 2006 until 2011, when he passed away. He had previously pastored several Christian Reformed churches. Bob loved to write and was a frequent contributor to the Today devotional.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!