Family

As you read these words I will be in Gainesville, Georgia at my sister’s home.  She started planning this week several months ago.  All of our children are going to be in the area for a few days of rest and relaxation on Lake Lanier.  It will be the first time that we have all been together since our Dad passed in 2021.  It’s been too long.

            I am thankful that Pam insisted that we look at and clear our calendars for this week.  Too many families drift apart after the last parent is gone.  We have remained close. She and her husband have come to our home, and Tina and I have been to theirs. But the extended family has not all been in one place. Each of us has had a grandbaby born since Dad died. They need to meet each other.

            I often have to remind myself that it was the family, not the church, that was the first institution created by God. And it should be the family that comes first in our priorities. Now, that does not mean that I don’t think the church matters.  In fact, it matters a lot.  We can use our families as excuses to ignore and neglect our church, and I don’t think that is a good thing at all. But we can also neglect the family if we are not careful.

            It’s been a long time ago. I was associate pastor and a seminary student. It was “Home Week” for Southern Baptists, a week when the family was to be emphasized and celebrated. And my pastor began to make announcement for all of the activities at the church that week. Different age groups were doing something every night of the week. And Dr. Bailey stopped, looked at the congregation and said, “Folks, we have a problem.  Too many activities. No time for your family. At the risk of being fired, I’m cancelling all activities in our church until we meet again next Sunday morning for Sunday School and worship. Be with your family this week.”

            Well, we both kept our jobs.  You know, we don’t have to take that radical a step to show that family matters. But I pray that you will see the need to spend time with your family while you have the opportunity.  God gave you your family for a reason.  Serve your loved ones to the glory of God.