Issue 1208 – Family – July 31, 2023
It was a real blessing to have all six grandchildren together. It was the first time since before CoVid that we could be in one place simultaneously.
As a family, we made a visit to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. It is a very nice facility with plenty to keep all ages interested. Kathy and I bought a membership, so we can go now and then; it makes for a pretty walk.
Family is essential and one of God’s building blocks for society. Healthy families build strong communities, and strong communities build strong societies. Of course, no family is perfect, some are very healthy, and others toxic, but that is life in a fallen world.
There is a family that will remain together forever. Of course, I am speaking of the family of God, the church. God has given us church family to be His hands and feet, allowing us to participate in Kingdom work with Him.
He has also given us family to help make us holy. The earthly church is far from perfect. It consists of forgiven people who still sin and still have baggage. We sin against, annoy each other and frustrate one another.
That allows us to sharpen our holiness skills. We learn to extend acceptance, grace and forgiveness to each other. Often we find fellow church people harder to deal with than rank unbelievers. I think that’s because we expect church members to know better.
Many young men grow up in the church, go to Bible College and seminary and into vocational ministry. It can devastate them because church people aren’t perfect Christians. They bicker and fight and sin. Sheep are stubborn, and they stink and bite.
None of us will be perfect Christians on this side of glory.
In the interim, Jesus reminds us of some reasons for the church family.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
The next time you gather for worship or fellowship, look around. The people you see are your family forever. It’s time to practice your holiness on them and become more like Christ in the process.
The chances are that as least as many people that annoy you or have sinned against you feel the same way about you. As the family of God, let’s work together (with the power of the Spirit, the truth of the Word and Christ’s grace) to become a healthy family.
May our love for one another draw others to Christ and give Him glory.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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