Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/88

Contributor - Christine Strong

Title - Strength in Unity

Topic - Family

An individual's usefulness to God is built upon successive structures. The foundation is one's right relationship with God. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:3a). The second level is one's relationship with his/her family. "He must manage his own family well ... If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?" (I Timothy 3:4a, 5). The third level is one's relationship with the church. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it. In the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues." (I Corinthians 12:27, 28).

The Christian family, whether it consists of two members or ten, is one of the most important units within the church. At this point I would like to say that I am not ignoring singles. I am speaking of the family unit that most clearly surrounds each individual. Family members can confirm each other in their faith and encourage each other in their Christian lifestyle.

A Christian family lifestyle is a model for the church. Within the church setting, the family unit expands to include other Christians, hence the 'family of God'. These other 'family' members also confirm our faith and are available in time of need. We know we can depend on them.

We must live our beliefs within our own family unit. Charity, or love, begins at home and grows so that it overflows into our larger church family. We must strengthen our family life first before we can strengthen our church life.

As Christian family members, we should be careful to avoid the common mistake of over-extending our individual efforts within the church, to the detriment of our home life. If we neglect the members of our immediate family, we minimize the support we receive from them and lose effectiveness in our Christian witness to others.

As one's faith grows, through the aforementioned stages, one's usefulness to God in any capacity increases. "If a man cleanses himself (from ignoble purposes), he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (11 Timothy 2:21).

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