Being Part of the Family of God
You can count on this Mom and Nana talking about her children and grandchildren. They are mine and I might be slightly partial to them. But, beyond that crew, I am ever thankful that I am a part of the Family of God.
God is always ready to invite us to sit at His royal table and feast with Him, along with so many other “royal” benefits. It is ours for the taking. We accept His invitation to come into the family and then play by His rules which include integrity, honor and when we make mistakes and ask for His forgiveness, He always forgives.
As children of God, adopted into His royal family, we have an unlimited supply of brothers and sisters! Bill & Gloria Gaither wrote a song that explains it.
“You will notice we say “brother” and “sister” around here;
It’s because we’re a family and these folks are so near.
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God!
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
Let me tell you about this “family” from personal experience. I grew up in this family because my parents introduced me to the Father, God, and I invited Jesus, His Son, into my heart. That’s the “orientation” for coming into the family. John 3:16 explains it this way: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son and ALL who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Talk about benefits! Believing equals eternal life with Him in His family forever!
Growing up in this family, I was around folks who pursued God in their walk and talk. It left an “eternal” impression on me. I wanted to be like them. I witnessed how this family sticks together. When one hurts, everyone hurts. When one has a victory, we celebrate with them. We meet at church, become part of groups that create fellowship. We grow together as we learn more about God and His Word. We lock arms and make it through joyful and tough times.
In this family, there are baby showers where “the sisters” lavish gifts and blessings on the hopeful new parents. Then, those same sisters, bearing lots of food for the new parents, bring relief to them when they have added pressure and many sleepless nights with that new little bundle of joy.
There are brothers in the family who help another brother out when he loses his job. They shoulder up to him and give him encouragement. They even help him find a new job. I witnessed those brothers and sisters caring for my mom and me when my dad passed away. They brought us food and I saw them hugging and loving on my mom and me which brought us much comfort.
Later, I knew that comfort when my brothers and sisters encouraged my husband and me when he became so sick. Our freezer was so full of food that I had to ask them to slow down.
My brothers and sisters in Christ are my personal cheerleading team as they follow me on social media and when I speak at ministry events. They keep “pushing” me to be the best “sister” in the family. I strive for that!
I am utterly convinced that the Family of God will stand by you in thousands of ways if you’ll get to know the family, hang out with them, serve with them, and do life with them. None of us deserve it and haven’t earned it. We were just born into it. They’ll treat you like royalty, too, because you are! We are. We’re children of the King.