Are You My Family? By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
Matthew 12:48-50 (NKJV)
But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
Introduction:
In the journey of faith, one of the most profound challenges a believer faces is the tension between their spiritual family in Christ and their earthly family. Jesus calls us to be part of His eternal family, one that transcends blood relations and is rooted in the will of God. This lesson explores what it means to belong to God's family, how to prioritize the Kingdom of God above all other relationships, and the consequences of forsaking that priority.
1. Understanding God's Family
When Jesus speaks of His family, He is not referring to a natural or earthly lineage but to those who are committed to doing the will of His Father. This group of individuals forms the true family of God—a family bound not by flesh but by faith.
Supportive Scripture:
John 1:12 (NKJV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
2. The Danger of Carnal Ties
There is a temptation to prioritize the opinions, desires, and approval of our earthly families over the will of God. However, when we place family ties above God's will, we risk being distracted and pulled away from our true calling. The Bible warns against being double-minded, torn between worldly relationships and God's will.
Supportive Scripture:
James 1:8 (NKJV)
A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
3. The Call to Abandon the Old Life
Upon choosing Christ, we are called to abandon our old ways and not to look back. This includes the emotional and spiritual ties to our former way of life, which can often be rooted in sin and carnality. To follow Christ means to forsake the old life and pursue the Kingdom of God wholeheartedly.
Supportive Scripture:
Luke 9:62 (NKJV)
But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
4. The Dangers of Pleasing the World
There is a significant warning against seeking to please the world or the people who remain outside of God's Kingdom. The world has nothing of eternal value to offer, and seeking its approval can distance us from the true purpose and calling God has for our lives.
Supportive Scripture:
1 John 2:15 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Summary
In this teaching, we are reminded that our true family is not defined by blood ties but by our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to prioritize our commitment to God above all earthly relationships. The world, with its temporary and fleshly desires, cannot offer the eternal peace and security that comes from being part of God’s family. The key to staying focused on God’s will is to keep our allegiance to Him and His Kingdom, not allowing ourselves to be distracted by carnal attachments or the opinions of others.
Conclusion
To be part of God’s family means to be fully surrendered to His will and His purpose for our lives. It requires a constant, conscious decision to reject the allure of worldly approval and stay focused on the eternal reward that comes from being obedient to God’s calling. As we embrace this new identity in Christ, we will find that our true family is made up of those who share the same faith, purpose, and commitment to God’s Kingdom.
Action Points:
- Examine Your Allegiances: Reflect on where your primary loyalty lies—are you more concerned about the approval of your earthly family or the will of God?
- Prioritize God’s Will: Make a conscious decision to seek God’s will first in every area of your life, even if it means disappointing those closest to you.
- Distance Yourself from Carnality: Avoid being pulled back into old ways of living, especially when those around you are living in ways that do not honor God.
- Strengthen Your Spiritual Family: Invest in your relationships with fellow believers who can encourage and strengthen you in your walk with God.
Final Word:
The true family of God is not bound by natural bloodlines but by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let us strive to remain faithful to our commitment to God, knowing that He has called us to be part of a divine family, with eternal rewards, rather than being entangled by the temporary ties of the world. Choose today to live as a member of God’s Family, seeking His will above all else.
