The True Family of God: A Call to Prioritize the Kingdom Above Carnal Ties By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 12:50
"For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
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Introduction
In a world where blood relations often define the concept of family, the Scriptures present a radical and life-altering perspective on what it means to belong to God's family. The importance of spiritual relationships is emphasized above carnal ties, urging believers to realign their priorities and devote their lives to the will of God rather than the pressures and opinions of their earthly families. This article explores the profound truth that those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior are brought into a new family, one that transcends bloodlines and temporal ties. It challenges every believer to consider whether they are truly living in alignment with God's kingdom and to reflect on the consequences of choosing carnal relationships over their spiritual allegiance to Him.
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The True Family of God
The concept of "family" as outlined in the Bible is one that should make us rethink our allegiances and priorities. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, redefined the idea of family, stating in Matthew 12:50, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Jesus here presents a new understanding of family – it is not defined by biological connections but by shared spiritual commitment. For those who follow Christ, the most significant familial relationship is with God the Father and with fellow believers.
Jesus calls His followers to forsake all other allegiances that might distract them from His purpose. This radical devotion to God’s will is what defines true members of His family. The family of God is not bound by earthly, fleshly connections but by a shared faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commands.
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A Kingdom Perspective on Family
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are born again into the Kingdom of God. As citizens of this eternal Kingdom, our loyalty and allegiance are to God’s family – the Church. This spiritual family, made up of brothers and sisters in Christ, takes precedence over earthly, carnal relationships. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This oneness in Christ transcends all the barriers that normally divide humanity.
Many believers, however, find themselves torn between their commitment to Christ and the pull of their earthly families. The choice to follow Jesus is often met with resistance from loved ones who may not share the same faith. Jesus Himself addressed this tension, saying in Matthew 10:37, “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” This statement, though challenging, underscores the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else.
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The Danger of Returning to Carnal Ties
One of the greatest temptations for believers is to turn back to their former way of life, especially when their families are living in sin or resisting the gospel. Jesus warns in Luke 9:62, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” When we look back to our old life or allow ourselves to be drawn back into carnal relationships that hinder our spiritual growth, we risk falling into the same traps that once ensnared us. These relationships can lead us back to the very things God has delivered us from.
God does not want His children to be ensnared by the emotional turmoil of family ties that drag them away from His Kingdom. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:17, writes, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” This call to separation is not a rejection of love and care for our families but rather a call to remain firm in our allegiance to God, even when our family members may not share our faith.
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Double-Mindedness: A Hindrance to Spiritual Progress
When believers are torn between the world and their commitment to Christ, they become double-minded, as described in James 1:8, “Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” Double-mindedness leads to spiritual instability, making it difficult to make progress in our walk with God. Jesus cautions against this in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Believers who are constantly trying to please both God and the world will find themselves unable to fully experience the peace and joy that comes from true fellowship with God.
The world, with all its distractions and temptations, offers nothing of lasting value. The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” This admonition is crucial in helping believers avoid the trap of prioritizing carnal relationships over their relationship with God. We must guard our hearts against the pull of worldly desires and instead keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
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The Importance of Loyalty to God’s Family
True loyalty is found in our allegiance to God and His Kingdom. Jesus, in John 14:15, says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Our love for Jesus is demonstrated by our obedience to Him. As members of God’s family, we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us, not out of obligation, but out of a deep and sincere commitment to the Kingdom of God. This love is not limited to our earthly families but extends to all who belong to Christ.
When we prioritize our loyalty to God’s family, we are able to live in peace and purpose, knowing that we are fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. Jesus, in John 15:13, reminds us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This sacrificial love is the hallmark of true discipleship, and it is through this love that we become a living testimony to the world of the power and goodness of God’s Kingdom.
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Summary
In this article, we have explored the concept of God’s true family, emphasizing that our allegiance should be to God and His Kingdom above all else. The spiritual ties that bind us to fellow believers in Christ are far more important than our carnal family relationships. We are called to prioritize our commitment to Christ, even if it means facing opposition or difficulty from our earthly families. The danger of returning to our old ways or becoming double-minded is a real threat to our spiritual growth and progress. However, when we choose to remain faithful to God’s call and His family, we experience the peace and fulfillment that come from truly living for Him.
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Conclusion
As believers, it is essential that we align our lives with the priorities of God’s Kingdom. We must recognize that the true family of God is made up of those who do the will of the Father, and we must not allow the opinions or desires of our earthly families to take precedence over our devotion to God. The call to follow Jesus is a call to radical commitment, and we are to remain faithful to that calling, no matter the cost. Let us continue to seek God’s will, to prioritize our relationship with Him, and to live as true members of His family.
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Call to Action
If you are reading this and have yet to make the decision to follow Jesus, I urge you to consider the words of Christ. If you feel the tug of your heart and desire to be part of God’s family, it starts with repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Turn away from your old ways, embrace the new life in Christ, and experience the joy of being a part of God’s eternal family.
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Final Word of Encouragement
To those who are already part of God’s family, remain steadfast in your faith. Do not allow the pull of the world or the demands of earthly relationships to deter you from your commitment to Christ. Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He will lead you through every challenge, strengthening you and guiding you to eternal life.
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Salvation Prayer
If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and become a part of God's family, say this prayer with me:
"Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a humble heart. I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my old ways and invite You into my heart as my Savior and Lord. Please help me to live according to Your will and to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
Welcome to God’s family!
