Bible Passage: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-37 NIV
Our dentist delivered the news gently:
“Your daughter will need braces.”
Soon after, an orthodontist walked us through what was to come. The upbeat and delightful consult ended with a payment plan; our daughter will get the necessary help, and we’ll be several thousand dollars poorer.
My wife and I have been saving faithfully. Our 65+ year-old furnace and windows need replacing. Our dented rust-bucket of a van needs to go to the junkyard. And just like you, we have various other needs and wants that come with a price tag.
But now we’ll delay those purchases to get her braces.
Family needs obviously trump other spending. I’m not telling this story to make myself sound like a virtuous man. You do the same thing, and you know it’s the right thing.
I bet the fathers reading this invest in their children, the grandfathers in their grandkids, and the sons in their aging parents. We don’t always love it, but the value and priority of family is clear.
A new van can wait when your daughter needs braces.
Among the best defenses against the assault and propaganda of materialism is to truly understand who your family is.
The Bible teaches us that God has “adopted” us into His family (Galatians 4:5 NIV). Romans 12:1 (NIV) encourages “brothers and sisters” to live in accordance with the Gospel.
Church is family.
Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Church is family.
Picture yourself standing in your church, praising God in song, and hearing His Word preached.
Picture the faces of those around you, the brothers and sisters you love, and the uncles and aunts you find quirky and annoying.
Think about their needs…about the single parent who can’t afford braces for their kid, of the immigrant family of 5 living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment, about the youth group raising money for a life-changing trip to Mexico, and about the college students, tired parents, and lonely seniors.
Now remember that Church is family. Use your resources as the Spirit whispers.
Embracing your role in the family of God and prioritizing family needs over personal wants is among the best defenses against a materialistic life.
Prayer: Lord, this is a scary teaching. If Church is family, how far do You want me to go in using my resources for them? Break the grip of money on my heart and teach me to love You and others first. Guide me into a life of joyful investment in what matters most and enjoyment of what I have. Amen.
Reflection: Some men have had healthy families, and others haven’t. Regardless, think about the way a healthy family (yours or another you’ve seen) helps each other financially. Then pray and think about whether it would be appropriate for you to do that for someone in your church family.
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