Family Ties
By: D. James Heffner
Persons born into the human race eventually realize they are part of a family; at least that's the plan. At first it's Mom, Dad and maybe a brother or sister or two. There may also be more such as grandpa & grandma, a couple uncles and aunts, cousins, etc. In some societies these people may be living close by, or even in the same household. In others the family members may be spread far and wide. Regardless being part of a family means we'll receive care and nurturing, teaching and other essentials necessary to become a fully functioning adult; at least that's the plan. Things don't always go according to plan.
Some people become orphans through abandonment or death of their parents. Unless adopted by relatives or others they end up being cared for by people which, though possibly very loving, are not truly family. Then again, not all families are "healthy" and can do great damage to the person, scarring them for life in various ways both visible and invisible. These situations are not what the "plan" for a family was meant to be. Things don't always go according to plan.
God had a plan. His plan was to, through Adam and Eve, bring forth a family with which he could have fellowship. But things don't always go as planned. That's why a wise planner always has a Plan "B". In the case of God the alternate plan was code named Plan "J" the details of which were kept in a "folder" filed under "G". The original plan code named "P" for paradise had several elements of risk; after all, children can be disobedient and fail to obey the parent particularly under peer pressure.
Okay, anyone who's read the Bible knows the story of the Garden of Eden, the Fall, Sin, Jesus, Grace, Redemption and Heaven. And, for those who've paid close attention, information to help them realize they've been born again into the Family of God. But the real treat here is, much like being born into an earthly family, this "heavenly" family is filled beyond measure with sisters and brothers right here on earth; these family members may be living close by, in the same household and some are indeed spread far and wide. And one day God has promised us a family reunion that will knock our socks off! This reunion is planned around a wedding, to which we're all invited, followed by a reception and banquet where there will be singing, dancing and rejoicing.
Now who would want to miss this party? The sad thing is some will and on purpose too. These are those who have failed to mature in Christ; people who've resisted teaching, nurturing and the other essentials to becoming complete in Christ. Yes, despite being freely adopted into God's family and learning of all of its benefits - given through Grace and Faith in Jesus - they turn away from the wedding invitation and choose instead the way of rebellion.
Which will you be, which choice will you ultimately make? Or, have you already indicated your decision by your behavior within the family? Do you think you know it all and don't need teaching? Don't care much for relationship building and resist the concept of accountability towards your brothers and sisters? Do you attend church but expect everyone else to "serve" you rather than jumping in and putting your talents and skills to work within the church? We all have relatives who behave in such ways where instead of being a blessing they become a curse.
There are some who believe that this is the "time" of Elijah. John the Baptist came declaring, "Prepare the way of the Lord". The spirit of Elijah is declaring, "Prepare the Bride of Christ" and the job of the church is to bring forth a mature bride. Every brother and sister is responsible for seeing that every brother and sister is prepared to attend the wedding. Our Father is God, our elder brother is Jesus and our caring and nurturing Teacher is the Holy Spirit. It is within the framework of this family that every one of us "lives and moves and has our being". Let no one fail to achieve maturity nor keep their garments clean and ready for the return of Jesus for the Bride.
This relational aspect of Christianity sets it apart from other so-called "religions". Its emphasis on family and relationships make it unique in this regard. In fact, those observing the first Christians saw something totally different from what they themselves practiced in their religious "life". When Buddhists gather you don't' see them hugging and holding hands, nor do you see Muslims behave this way. Most world religions are built on a bottom up relationship Humans reaching out to a God. In Christianity it's God, in His Love, reaching down to humans and these humans reaching out to others in the name of Christ. It's this Love "thing" that makes Christianity what it is.
This love thing is the defining essence of a Christian's relationship with God and their fellow believers. Whenever you find cold ritual and dull worship you are not where the Holy Spirit is welcome or present. The Love of God is not manifest where the presence of the Holy Spirit is absent. Remove the "love" energized by the Holy Spirit and what you have left is religion. In the NIV New Testament there are 10 verses with the phrase "love one another" in them; it's a command given by Jesus and is essentially how people will know that we are disciples of Jesus. It goes without saying that the "source" of this love is God "for love comes from God" (NIV). So, if anyone lacks love just open your heart to God and ask for it to be manifest in your life; it is essential to understand the Love of God and the Holy Spirit will freely reveal it to you just ask.
With God's love manifest in your life you will, as never before, be able to fulfill His greatest command to "love one another". Not only will your relationships within the family of God be filled with joy you will also find a new power in witnessing to those who do not know Jesus. With God's love as your motivation and the Holy Spirit as your "guide" you will find yourself in contact with those "orphans" that God wants to adopt into His family, and they will be open to hearing your story of Jesus' saving grace and God's plan for their life.
The preparations for the Wedding of The Lamb and His Bride (the church) are coming to a close and the family is being called to the celebration and God is not willing that any should perish.
