Growing Our Church Family Part 1Sample

UNITY, NOT CONFORMITY

The family of God is unified but not uniform. As discussed on Day 2, this family is connected by faith in Jesus and obedience to the will of the Father, not by heritage, class, or any other social construct - and this is intentional. While Jesus taught in the Jewish synagogue, He did not limit His ministry to those the Scribes and Pharisees considered appropriate or worthy. He radically broke the normal social ‘rules’ by engaging in dialogue with women, tax collectors, Samaritans, lepers… (Mark 2:15-17; John 4:7-9) And His closest disciples represented a surprising combination of people from different backgrounds as well; fishermen and tax collectors did not typically associate with one another. In truth, Jesus initiated the most diverse family possible by making a way for all to enter into a relationship with God.

Something in our human nature makes us want to gather with people most like us - maybe it feels more ‘safe’ or simple – but the unified body of Christ is meant to include every family, every tribe, and nation. As part of God’s family, the Church, we are challenged to remain unified in the Spirit as we walk out our commission to share His good news with all people.

Ask Yourself:

-When have I equated unity with uniformity in my relationships or associations?

-How can I expand the diversity of my spiritual family?

Pause to Pray for the Church: Heavenly Father, the diversity of Your family is incredible and beautiful. Open our eyes to any way that we choose uniformity over true unity. Teach us how to honor, respect, and love one another as we live united in Your Spirit… In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take a Next Step into Christian community: Take a proactive step to engage with people of faith outside your regular people or places. Consider visiting a church in a different neighborhood, inviting someone new to your small group, or even joining a mission trip team.