Perceptions #39

"ALL IN THE FAMILY"

by Lanny Henninger

It is difficult to know what the scriptures say to different people. The same words may, and often do, convey varying messages; one may know what he is saying, but he can never quite be sure what others are hearing.

Take, for example, the biblical concept of the church as a "family." What does that mean to you? That there is never a difference of opinion? That feelings are never hurt and cross words are never exchanged? Such a view may be well and good, but have you ever known a family like that? I suspect not.

Rather-to me-"family" suggests that in spite of all the differences, disagreements, arguments and injuries, the people involved still belong to each other, still care for each other, still minister to each other. One doesn't leave his family because things get sticky; he - if he truly cares - redoubles his efforts to strengthen it. Why, do you suppose, is it not more often that way with the church?

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