Good morning everyone,
Last week I spent a few hours with a family which has four active children ranging in age from early grade school to a one-year-old. Naturally, each member of the family has different interests, schedules, and needs. At times various members are scattered all over town. Over supper I was filled in on what was new in each person’s life. But the topic which generated the most excitement was the next evening’s “movie night.” Everyone began talking at once explaining to me the portion of the DVD they had watched the previous week and what might be coming up. By the time I said good-bye I was wishing I could stick around to take part two. It wasn’t so much that the movie interested me. It was the time spent with loved ones. I’m sure it is just as true for that family. Time with one another is what really is precious to them.
It’s a good reminder for all of us, isn’t it? We get so caught up with work and other activities. How much time is left for family? When you do have time, do you spend it on Facebook or Twitter? Do you feel pressure to keep up with the hectic schedule of neighbors and friends? The world leads us to think that the priority in life should be getting ahead materially and financially, networking with others who can help us in our job or reputation, or having something to show for one’s time and effort.
When was the last time you thought about what God sees as important? He sums up His will very simply: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.” That is where we find true fulfillment in life. God created us for loving relationships—with Him and with one another. He made it possible by sending His Son to take away the sin which stood between us and Him and between us and others. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him….Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 Jn. 4:9, 11).
Love for family shows in spending time with one another: time to talk and listen, time to share and encourage, time to enjoy one another’s company and strengthen family ties. That is true for our earthly families, as well as for our spiritual family of fellow believers. Let’s treasure “family time” with one another and with the Lord as the blessing it is!
In the sermon text for tomorrow (Eph. 5:22-33) St. Paul lays the groundwork for stable, happy families with instruction on the God-intended roles for husbands and wives.
We are still on our summer schedule: 8:00 and 9:30 services.
Blessings on your day,
Pastor
