God’s Family (Daily Encouragement)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen – Ephesians 3:14-21
As we dive into family, it is good to be reminded that marriage and parenting are not ultimate. Much like parts of our culture, the culture of biblical times would have the tendency to overvalue marriage and parenting. While both are valued biblically, scriptures over and over remind us that we do not need to be married (or have children) to be a fully completed person (1 Corinthians 7). Only our union with Christ can make us complete — to be “filled with all the fullness of God.”
Our union with Christ also makes us a part of the “family of God” – we “bow our knees before the Father”. And “with all the saints” we seek to stay rooted and grounded in love to know the love of Christ. As a church we seek to bring him glory “throughout all generations”.
Being a part of God’s family allows us all – no matter if we are married or have kids – to apply the principles of family to our church family. We experience belonging, love and encouragement in God’s family. We find security, protection and provision through our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are called to be (spiritual) fathers and mothers to those in the church:
“For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 4:15-17
Within the family of God we all have the great opportunity to provide the love, acceptance, guidance and provision we have in Christ to those around us.
I found this prayer from “God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life” helpful:
Lord, marriage is a great good, but not the ultimate good. Because our enjoyment of your love is so weak, we become too desperate and, therefore, also too fearful of marriage. Lord, there are many not finding marriage who should, and many you have called to singleness who are discouraged by it. Help them all. Amen.