Some people were endowed with the gift of creativity. They are both admired and envied by those who lack this ability – such as myself. There is the home decorator, for example, who uses something not at all intended for the home in order to create an atmosphere that feels right. Some writers always have the perfect anecdote to insert. It is said that the famous composer, Mozart, created his first composition at age five. Comparatively speaking, at age five, I was still struggling to spell my (simple) name correctly; and yes, my parents have a dinner plate to prove it. Needless to say, a prodigious childhood escaped me.
Since I routinely lack the vision to see the final product, I constantly ask myself, “What should this look like?” Once I figure out the end goal, using whatever outside (and more creative) sources necessary, then I can typically figure out how to reach the intended destination. For this week, I want you consider the following thought. What should a faithful Christian family look like?
We have to be careful with this question. There are many potential sources surrounding us to help decipher an answer. However, since it is God who ultimately designed Christianity, as well as the very concept of family, we must allow Him to dictate the end goal as well as the process. I will offer just a few suggestions provided in God’s word to help us determine what a faithful Christian family should look like.
First, a faithful Christian family should practice love toward God and one another (Matthew 22.34-40). If this courtesy is extended toward our neighbor, how much more should it be seen in our homes? Lest we forget, though, love is ultimately seen in action as Paul clearly illustrates in 1 Corinthians 13. Just as the love from one spouse to another should be apparent through continuous action toward the needs of the other, so our love should be demonstrable toward our Father as well as our neighbors.
Paul’s words in that chapter remind us of our second point. A faithful Christian family will love their church family. Paul’s words depict a kind of love that can only be achieved through regular involvement. I often remind people that our church family contains the people whom we supposedly hope to be with for eternity. Shouldn’t we want to be with them now as well?
Third, a faithful Christian family will be busy. If I stopped right there every family could give a hearty, “Amen!” We are all busy – too busy most of the time. However, Paul commended the Thessalonian congregation in 1 Thessalonians 1.2-10 for having a “work of faith” and a “labor of love.” These actions were in the context of becoming imitators of Paul and his fellow workers so that the gospel message was spread. In other words, they were busy doing the work of the Lord.
I could easily list many more things, but I believe this is a good starting point. Whether one person, or a family of eight, is this what your home looks like? Is it filled with love for God and one another? Does your family undeniably love your Christian family? Are you regularly engaged in the work of the Lord? If not, then decide if you want to be a faithful Christian family. God has shown us a picture of the end goal so that we do not have to create it ourselves. Let’s embrace His version of family ministry.