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All In The Family

“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” - Mark 3:33-35

Family can be difficult. Sibling rivalry, petty arguments, nit-picking and downright meanness are not uncommon experiences in families. Family can be wonderful. Rolling on the floor laughing, gathering around the table at Thanksgiving, celebrating birthdays and vacations build memories that last a lifetime. In one sweeping statement Jesus deconstructs family and redefines what it means to be a sister, a brother, a mother. That doesn’t mean he changes the family dynamic.

One of Satan’s great accomplishments is to convince the Church that, since Jesus calls us family, we should all get along famously. Based on this lie many become disenchanted when Christians have differences of opinion, argue, fight and treat each other poorly. They determine that if this is what God’s family looks like they want no part of it…or of Him. By looking for perfection, which will NEVER happen this side of heaven, we deny ourselves the great joy that comes from being a family so we can avoid the pain that comes from being a family.

So, have you bought Satan’s deceit? Are you looking for perfection in the family of Christ? Have you given up on the church because they just don’t seem to get along? If so, you’ve put yourself in a whole different category. Orphan.

Prayer
Lord, by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross I have been made a member of your family. Help me find balance with my brothers and sisters finding the great joy in family and extending grace and forgiveness when family causes pain. Keep me from falling for the lie that I should expect perfection. Amen.