serving the purposes of God in my generation...

Monday, December 12, 2011

Family

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. Desmond Tutu.

It is at this time of year that many of us look forward to spending time with our family. For Kate and I it is a special time, as both of our brothers lives abroad and we don't get to see them very often. I have been reminded recently about what an incredible privilege it is to be part of God's family. Here are just a few thoughts to encourage you.

We have all been baptised into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13.

It is the same Holy Spirit that qualifies each of us to be a part of this amazing family. My belonging to the People of God has no bearing on my ability or performance, it is simply because the Spirit of God lives in me. So far as God is concerned we all stand side by side and we all belong.

Therefore, I never have to feel inadequate about myself and I should never look down upon anyone else within the Church. You belong to a people who are undeniably unified, everyone of us being one with Christ and so one with each other.

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body... Romans 12:4.


The Church is a stunning array of personalities, colors, strengths, skills, passions, and languages. I am proud to belong to such a people. The prophetic word that came to our local Church recently encouraged us, 'For I will cause a people to stand together who between them display the full range of my glory.'

We are 'one body', but embrace the fact that you are different to those around you. Be encouraged that there are exploits planned by God that only you can do! Know that God calls you to be yourself in displaying His glory to the world.

As we continue to grow in our understanding of who we are as the People of God, we are encouraged to change the way in which we look at ourselves, and perhaps more importantly, change the way in which we look at those around us.

When Kate and I drive to work every day we pass a huge poster that says, 'It's all about YOU this Christmas.' We smile at this perfect summary of the world in which we live.

Let us be those who choose to honor one another before ourselves, recognizing just what a privilege it is to be part of this wonderful family. In the day-to-day of busy life, it is easy sometimes to take our families for-granted. We can forget how much we actually appreciate and value them. Go out of your way this week to show someone in the Church how much you care for them.

Here in Cardiff, we often hear the expression 'the best people in the world' to describe who we are, let us treat each other accordingly and let the world take a good look!

Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:10-30, Romans 12:3-8, Revelation 5:9.

by Jeremy at 1:21 PM |