Family - Member Devo
Read: Ephesians 2:11-12
Who are you? If someone asked you that question what would you say? We all define ourselves in countless different ways. For some, it’s our work. I’m a teacher. I’m in sales. I’m a student. For some, it’s our personality. I’m creative. I’m an introvert. I’m a hard-worker. For a lot of us, we define ourselves based on our families. I’m a husband. I’m a mom. I’m the oldest kid. But, when Jesus comes into your life, he answers that question for you.
Apart from Christ you were a “stranger.” Sure, people knew you. But you were alienated from the one whom your soul was made for. But in Christ you are brought in, and not just to rent a guest room. You are adopted into the family and God calls you his child (1 Jn. 3:1). He gives you a seat at the table and a cut of the inheritance. Above anything else, that is who you are.
You are part of God’s family. But, you are not brought in alone.
Jesus takes us and makes us part of a large and ever-growing family. And, in spite of different backgrounds, skin colors, political opinions, age, and anything else that could divide us, he makes us “one.” So, when you try to define yourself, the question is not just who you are, but whose you are. You belong to God and you belong to that family he placed you in, the church.
My wife and I are about to have our first baby. And, before she is even out of the womb, she is already making demands. We spend the last couple of days building a crib, rearranging our tiny apartment, and (through the generosity of so many people) stockpiling diapers. And, from what I hear, this is only the start! Why? Because she’s my daughter. I owe her that. I belong to her just as she belongs to me.
Do you know that is true for the church too? You belong to your brothers and sisters. And, they belong to you! We sometimes look at church as a place to go to when we feel like we have our lives together, when things are clicking. Putting our best forward is what we do on a date or at our job. But, the church is a family. It’s a place to bring our brokenness and our mistakes. A family isn’t a place to perfect. It’s a place to be known and accepted. Why? Because we share something deeper than even some blood-families share. Together, we have been forgiven, redeemed, and made new by the blood of Christ.
Reflection:
When you are struggling where do you turn? Do you withdraw from your church community or do you press more deeply into it?
Is there an area of your life that you feel isn’t safe to share with those in your community? What do you think would happen if you were truly known?
What are three ways you can live out this value of family this month?