“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.” (Ephesians 5:25-27 NLT)
How much do you love Jesus? Many would boldly say: “Enough to die for Him!” And, admittedly, sometimes that’s what He asks of us. But largely what He’s asking is for us to live for Him. Similarly, some husbands, under severe circumstances, literally give their lives on behalf of their family. But the design of marriage isn’t death, it’s life “until death do us part!”
Marriage demands compromise, give and take, sacrifice for the health of the one “body” formed in marriage. In much the same way, Christ sacrificed His sinless life to give us the privilege of being in oneness with Him by yielding our life and allegiance to Him. As in marriage, its design is to be an exclusive relationship with benefits designed specifically for those who make that commitment.
As each husband and wife are able, they give birth to children who bear their name and, as they grow, learn to take part in the maintenance and care of their family. They are given responsibilities commensurate with their abilities which, ideally, they take pride in doing as they grow in their appreciation of the family in which they’ve been placed.
Obviously, this is an ideal that isn’t enjoyed by everyone, yet it’s God’ design and desire for His children who become a part of His eternal family. As in the family, our role in the family of God isn’t independence, but interdependence. And yes, of course, children are trained to one day become independent of their mom and dad, but never to be separated from their allegiance to their family of origin.
In much the same way, each Church “family” is to bear spiritual “children” who will learn what it means to be a child of God. The goal isn’t to create thousands of individual “believers,” but to help them understand and maintain allegiance to their whole Family – the Body of Christ. I’ve seen this in its best light as I’ve traveled to other countries.
I’ve never been asked in another country: “What church do you attend?” I’ve only been welcomed with open arms and hearts as I would be if I was coming home to my family, because indeed I was. The love of Christ isn’t given to help us build barriers between us, but to tear them down. Our goal as children of God is to reach our hands in fellowship to every blood-washed one.
When I was in secular employment and someone learned I had been a Pastor, often the first question was (and you know what’s coming): “In what church were you a Pastor?” One of two things was bound to happen when I answered: “Hmmm. Well, I’m a _________!” And I’d either see a smile or they’d often just turn and walk away if I wasn’t part of “their” group.
Friends, that’s the work of the evil one. We don’t have to agree on every point of doctrine to have meaningful fellowship. Our commonality is derived from our Father in heaven, not the name over the door of our church. God’s intention is unity, not division; love and acceptance based on the shed blood of our Savior and our devotion to Him.
One thing I’ve learned over the years of serving and being a part of many churches: I don’t have to like you, but if I’m going to please my Father, I’d better love you, not for yours or my honor, but for His.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 