Meditation
"The Family of God"
Pastor Kathleen Whitmore
July 28, 2009

Have you ever noticed how much influence families have over our lives?  Some of us may have grown up being told that we look just like our mothers or that we sound just like our fathers.  Yet the traits we share with our relatives run much deeper than the way we look, walk, or talk.  Our family of origin not only determines our genetic make-up, they also influence our interests, choice of occupations, and general worldviews.  Even those who were adopted into their families development many of the same habits and mannerisms of those around them. 

In Matthew 12, Jesus’ disciples inform him that his family is outside and wants to speak with him.  Jesus responds to them by saying:  Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?  Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother (Matthew 12:48b and 50, NRSV).  In other words, if we want to be the children of God, we must be willing to develop the family traits of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, fairness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  The more time we spend with him – the more we speak with him and listen for his direction - the more obvious these traits will become in our lives. 

So, do you want to be a member of the family?  Do you want to become an unmistakable child of God?  All you have to do is listen, pray, and follow Christ’s lead. 

May you live as a child of God today, tomorrow, and for all eternity.