Family In Christ

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  (Romans 8:29, ESV)

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,  (John 1:12, ESV)

My family was awesome. My mom was the rock, the glue. When she passed away there was a huge void but thankfully she tried her best to make sure my sisters and I were close just like she was with her sisters. 

Everyone wants a family. It’s not so much about having someone who shares DNA with you, although that has importance. It’s more about having people who will be with you through thick and thin. Friends are awesome and sometimes friends become family, but sometimes “friends” stop being friends, and even some become enemies. 

When crisis happens in life you have to have family. When my mom passed away I had my sisters and aunts and cousins. I desperately wanted my family who should have been closest, and some people I thought were friends were no where to be found. My oldest friend, though, was a brother during that time and even reached out a few months later to check in on me. He knew firsthand what it was like to lose his mom. He was also the type of guy who considered me family and he showed it. 

We have a family unlike any other if we are in Christ. We have an older brother who always goes to bat for us. He went farther on our behalf than any earthly brother could.  And he calls us to love like him (John 13:34-35). The problem is we don’t always live out that calling. We’re too busy or being family is too messy or maybe too scary because you might get hurt. But you want family in your time of need. 

So while you’re looking for others to be your family are you being a brother or a sister? I have been asking myself this as I have been meditating on this, and I think there are times I am a good brother but sometimes not so good. The truth is that’s not even the question. The question is are you striving? God does not hold us to the standard of perfection. He calls us to perfection but he does not hold us to that standard because that standard was met in Jesus. We could never have met the standard of being a perfect brother or sister. Remember, the law was weakened by our sinful flesh Rom. 8:3). So is the standard of perfection. So don’t drive yourself crazy and beat yourself up because you’re not perfect. Rest in the perfection of Jesus who is our perfect brother and even now is our advocate. We only truly love like him to the degree that we live in him. 

 Remember: God’s grace is greater than our sin and our ability.

Rest in that grace, church!

-Brad Holloway (Covenant Member)