I want to define something from the very beginning. The church mentioned in the title is more than just your local congregation. When we talk about the church, we need to keep the entire kingdom of God in view also. Understanding our place in relation to the kingdom goes beyond the individual, the family and the local congregation. The individual parts are the kingdom, but our responsibility is to the whole body, not just one part. I want to also clarify that while this title may seem exclusively written for those with families, it is relative to all. Simply replace “the Family” with your name, and the article is all about you.
What responsibility do we have to the church? How can I make sure my family is doing what is best for the kingdom? First, a decision must be made. It is nothing new, and it is fairly basic. It comes from Joshua 24:15, “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” You have to make a choice that governs all other choices. When you serve something or someone, they come first in everything. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matt. 6:24). This verse specifically mentions wealth, but it is true for anything. We, as a family, must set our priorities in order.
There are a lot of things pulling families and individuals in many different directions. Concerning how we manage our time here is a good rule of thumb. Make worship and Bible study as sacred landmarks in your planner. They should never move. Second should come youth or appropriate church functions. Third and fourth are school and sports, band, choir, etc. As a family, you have to decide what is most important. Parents, what kind of children do you want? They can’t raise themselves. We must prioritize their lives until they are old enough and wise enough to choose. If something other than God takes priority number one, then they will be something other than godly. There are flukes, and there are stories of people turning to God despite their parentage and childhood. Those are statistically very few. The responsibility the family has to the church is summed up in one verse. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). Next week, we will talk about how to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Until then, always make God priority number one for your family and for your life. You will find that many things become much easier.