Family Values

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

(Romans 12:10)

Brotherly love ... I do not believe that description is properly understood today. Family affection is not what it was in the past. Loving someone like a brother . . . what does that really mean today?

Remember when your could fight your own brother, but no one else could? Remember when blood was thicker that water? Nowadays, many families do not even get together for birthdays and holidays anymore. But it should not be that way in the Body!

We who name the name of Christ should have a kindly affection toward one another . . . a love that cause others on the outside to be jealous and desire it for themselves. We should be known by our love and self-sacrifice toward one another.

Paul lays it out clearly . . .

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death . . .even death on a cross!

(Philippians 2:3-8)

If our Lord and Savior could step down from heaven's glory to serve us, we can (out of love) put our own selfish ambitions aside to honor Him and those around us. As Jesus gave Himself for us, God was glorified and His will accomplished. As we esteem others, we lift up Christ and he can work through us. As we assess ourselves, we see others in a better light. As we do things through God's perspective, we see ourselves in such need that we serve others above our own desires.

I need you . . . you need me . . . we all are part of God's B-O-D-Y! Oh how I pray for the strengthening of family values . . . beginning first in the family of God!