I’ve heard about a “Family Plan” in several places, including when companies talk about insurance and cell phone services. But do we ever consider that in terms of Church?
That’s exactly what Jesus came to offer us — reconnection with the family of God. We had got disconnected because of the sin of Adam and Eve — “Original Sin” which separated them, and us, from the Kingdom of God. But God didn’t want anyone to be disconnected, so Jesus was born, lived, suffered, died and was resurrected (and continues to live) for our redemption and salvation.
Jesus wanted us back in the family of God, and also showed us the importance of family by being born into one. He also called a few disciples and built up their bonds to be like family.
Sure there will be strains as with any relationships, but when we hold together as family, we count each other as important, valued and worth holding onto. As a family (including our family of faith), we are called to encourage and support each other, loving one another as Jesus loved us.
Jesus was all about building everyone up at every opportunity. His teachings and examples are for us to follow in loving others, connecting in faith and living in hope.
“Family Plans” in Church, as in the business world, do have a cost. But they are very different. The price is in terms of relationships, but the rewards can be huge too. God thought the incredible cost for the divine family plan (Jesus’ sacrifice) wasn’t too much. Max Lucado once wrote “Jesus thought your place in heaven is so important that He was willing to give up His so you could have yours.” Choose the family plan, and don’t let go of that connection. Remember too, that reconnection is possible.
I've heard that "The family that prays together, stays together." That phrase is even more applicable for our family of faith -- Ch-U-R-ch. Church is just not the same when you (U-R) are not part of it.
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