~ Nancy Goring
Most of us have heard this phrase, "Blood is thicker than water." The meaning indicates that while we may have strong feelings and loyalty to our friendships, our family ties will always be stronger. We share the same blood. I was thinking about this the other day, and thought about so many who had fallen away from the Lord. They began their Christian walk, repenting of sins, confessing Christ's name, and being immersed in that watery gravee of baptism, where they came in contact with Christ's cleansing blood (Revelation 1:5). Then the Lord added them to the church, the family of God (Acts 2:47). Jesus became their elder brother, and God, their Father. Somewhere along their way they became weak, and went back to their worldly acquaintances. Soon, they had removed themselves from God's family and were a part of the world once again.
Most of us have heard this phrase, "Blood is thicker than water." The meaning indicates that while we may have strong feelings and loyalty to our friendships, our family ties will always be stronger. We share the same blood. I was thinking about this the other day, and thought about so many who had fallen away from the Lord. They began their Christian walk, repenting of sins, confessing Christ's name, and being immersed in that watery gravee of baptism, where they came in contact with Christ's cleansing blood (Revelation 1:5). Then the Lord added them to the church, the family of God (Acts 2:47). Jesus became their elder brother, and God, their Father. Somewhere along their way they became weak, and went back to their worldly acquaintances. Soon, they had removed themselves from God's family and were a part of the world once again.
For us to be a part of a family, we have to be WITH family. We have to share the common life, bear one another's burdens, laugh with our family and be joyful, and cry with them during the sad times (Romans 12:15). Families love one another; they stick together. That keeps us strong. If we do not get involved with the family and develop those strong ties, we will drift backward, away from God. As a family we are to be knit/bound together in love (Colossians 2:2). Let's make sure we are joining our hearts and minds (and lives) together in Word, spirit, service and love, holding fast the family of God (Ephesians 4:16). Spend as much time as possible with your brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a privilege, a blessing, and an encouragement to be able to do so!
Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel
preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit,
Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for
over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books
including: Behavior
Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.
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