My own family was for many of my friends. But we were no Rockwell painting. Dad never called me "Sport" or "Champ." There were arguments my friends never knew about. There were things we wanted, or wanted to do, that we simply couldn't afford. However, looking back, that wasn't the sort of thing my friends envied anyway. What they saw was a lucky kid with two parents who loved fiercely and completely; who went out of their way to provide, when they could, for their children's happiness; who loved one another and were unashamed of it.
No, an earthly family can never be picture perfect. But a family built on a foundation of love doesn't need to be.
As a part of the Family of God, I often wonder whether the world peers in our church windows, longing for the joy they see in the house of God, in the same way some of my friends longed for the togetherness and fellowship they saw in my childhood home.
It sure seems like they should be.
As long as we're in a fallen world, maybe a perfect family -- even a perfect Church family -- isn't possible. Yet, Acts 2 gives us a glimpse into a day in the life of a family I know I long to be a part of.
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44-47)
Imagine if the world looked through our windows, and saw the family of God looking like that. Can you imagine anyone not wanting to come in and be a part of it? Or their joy upon being invited to do so?
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