Interesting question, right? We all have the natural family that we were born into, and we did not have any choice in that decision. God put us in a family unit, as part of His plan for our lives. We had to learn to appreciate our family in all of their glorious dysfunction. As you mature, one of the things you come to realize is that everyone’s family “has issues.”
Our Church family, on the other hand, does provide us with some level of choice. We can select our local church, and make the choice to participate as an active member in the body. Once we make these decisions, we soon realize the incredible benefits that are available to us from the body of Christ.
For those that do not live near their natural family, or might be estranged from their family, church family can be a wonderful source of love and acceptance. On a weekly basis many of us probably interact with our church family more than we do with our natural family. This points out the value of developing our church family relationships. Our Community Group network at King’s Chapel is a great place to cultivate these relationships.
In the times of the early church, the apostle Luke writes in Acts 2 that new Christians gathered together and shared their lives and possessions. They also worshiped together regularly, and took care of each other’s needs.
Acts 2:42-47 states, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
The example of the early church shows us what we can receive from our church family and also what we can offer. I know that I am blessed each Sunday at King’s Chapel when I see my church family and worship together with them. We need to remember each week that our church family is blessed, simply by our faithful gathering for worship and fellowship.
In Philippians 2, Paul instructs us to see others as more significant than ourselves. We are to put the interests and needs of others ahead of our own. Philippians 2: 3-5 states, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
This teaching tells us where our heart needs to be in relation to our church family. We should be determined to place the needs of our church family at a higher level. Our heart’s desire should be to see our church family grow, and be God’s vehicle for the Gospel in our community.
Take some time today to think about your church family. Consider how you can offer yourself to your church family as an act of service to God.