We sing a song, “God’s Family” when we have worship service. The chorus reads, “And sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry; Sometimes we share together, heart-aches and sighs; Sometimes we dream together of how it will be, when we all get to Heaven, God’s Family. We are a family, the “House of God.” Eternity rides on a strong church family. What constitutes a a strong church family? Leadership, Followership and the following five senses.
A) A Sense Of Desire For God’s Word
How much do we want to adhere to what God has to say, determines our desire and capability to do what God says. There are congregations that want try new things in worship to make it more “Fun” or more acceptable to more numbers. They have services on Saturday, add instrumental music to worship and listen to what people want instead of what God wants. God lays out very plainly how He wants His worship service conducted and how He wants His children (Christians) to react. God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever and so is His word and His instruction. If we adhere to His word our Desire will always be in the right place.
B) Sense Of Dissatisfaction With The World
We can’t become comfortable with the world!! That is exactly what Satan wants. He wants us to be OK with what the world is saying and doing and get involved. That will put us in a situation where we are going to become dissatisfied with God. God says we are to be able to live in the world but not be of the world. That simply means–be followers of God and not of Satan. Do not become satisfied with the world, become satisfied with God. Another song we sometimes sing in worship is, “This World Is Not My Home.” The chorus reads, “O Lord, You know I have no friend like You, if Heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do; the angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
C) Sense Of Determination To Persevere
We have to set a standard for faithfulness. Are we steadfast in our Christian walk? Are we establishing strong roots for our Christianity so we can grow properly? It’s been said that Christian life is “No Piece Of Cake” and I agree. It takes work and perseverance to stay on the right path. With sin and the work of Satan it is not easy.
D) Sense Of Dedication To Family’s Strength
How much do we care? Do we get angry and throw up our hands and say, “I’m Done” or do we dedicate ourselves to getting along with each other? There is a lot of God’s work that gets done in a congregation. Some of it we see but a lot of it gets done behind the scenes. Some will say that they do more than others and they are tired of it. How do they know? Ephesians 4:14-15 talks about everyone having different talents. Some are set up by God to do more than others, some are leaders and some are followers. Are you a good leader? And maybe more important–Are you a good follower?
E) Sense Of Devotion To The Unity Of The Family
God’s Church is made up of all kinds of people. Different types of jobs, different ethnic backgrounds, different personalities, difference of opinions etc. One of the basic concepts of unity is the ability of all to FORGIVE. If we master that and stick with God’s Word, then unity can be had for all. It is OK to disagree with one another–Just don’t become disagreeable!!
Good thoughts
Thanks